LO^^t'S  CARNIVAL 


OTTO  ERICH  HARTLEBEN 


THE  LIBRARY 

OF 

THE  UNIVERSITY 

OF  CALIFORNIA 

LOS  ANGELES 


LOVE'S    CARNIVAL 


■jai!^ 


1^-mi^ 


&iio  fccTd  aC(\niU{Hi. 


Lore's  C./n(p{iv^AL 


A  TLAT 

In  Five  Actt 
rRANSLATED  FROM 

OTTO  ERICH  /HJRTLE'BEN'S 

ORIGINAL   PLAT 

''ROSENMONTJG" 


Br    RUDOLF   BLEICHMJNN 


IVITH  A  PORTRAIT  OF  THE  AUTHOR 


CHICAGO  ; 

rilE  DRAMATIC  PUBLISHING  COMPANY 


Printed  m  England 


ST.    JAMES'S    THEATRE 

KING   STREET,   LONDON,   S.W. 

Mr.  George  Alexander    r    / 


Sole  Lessee  and  Manager 


On  Thursday  Evening,  March  17TH,  1904,  at  8.15 
WILL  be  acted 


H  1^5  HIF 


LOVE'S    CARNIVAL 


An  English  Version  in  Five  Acts  by  Rudolf  Bleichmann 
of  Otto   Erich    Hartleben's   original    play    "  Rosenmo«tag 


Ferdinand  von  Groiiitzsch 
Hugo  von  Marschall 
Harold  Hofmann 
Peter  von  Ramberg 
Paul  von  Ramberg 
Hans  Rudorff 
moritz  dlesterberg 
Benno  VON  Klevvitz 
Franz  Glahn 


Brothers 


Mr.  E.  Lvall  Swete 
First         Mr.  H.  R.  Hignett 
Lieuts.     Mr.  Ernest  Leicester 
Mr.  M.  Elphinstone 
Mr.  King  Fordham 
Mr.  George  Alexander 
Second  I  Mr.  Gerald  Jerome 
Lieuts.  I  Mr.  Gregory  Scott 

Mr.  Stuart  Dennison 
Fritz  von  der  Lehen,  Ensign  (last  joined) .     Mr.  Reginald  Dane 
Dr.  Meitzen,  Regimental  Surgeon  Mr.  Dermot  Fitz-Gibkon 

Tiedemann,  A  Sergeant         ....     Mr.  Ernest  Grifi-in 
Drewes,  An  Orderly       .                 ...     Mr.  James  Annanu 
Heinrich  Nettelbusch,  Rudorff's  Servant     Mr.  E.  Vivian  Reynolds 
Josef  Becker,  Glahn's  Servant      .                 .     Mr.  Frank  Elton 
August  ScHMiTz,  A  Banker  ....     Mr.  Richard  Dalton 
Else  Reimann Miss  Lilian  Braithwaite 

Officer.s,  Non-commissioned  Officers,  Orderlies,  etc. 

The  action  of  the  Play  takes  place  in  a  Prussian  Garrison  Town 

Time  :  The  Present 


i''62524 


-  Bvotlid 


CHJRJCTERS    OF    THE    PUT 

Fekdinand  von  Grobitzsch       .     > 
Hugo  von  Marschall 

Harold  HofmANN         .  .  .        -  First  Lieutenants 

Peter  von  Ramberg 

Paul  von  Ramberg       J 

Hans  Rudorfe    . 

MOBITZ  Diesterberg  ...       I  Second 

Benno  von  Klewitz  Lieutenants 

Franz  Glahn 

Fritz  von  der  Leiien,  Endyn  (last  joined) 

Dr.  Meitzen,  licf/ivicntal  Sim/con 

Tiedemann,  a  h'cryeant 

Drewbs,  an  Orderly 

HEiNRlCii  NETTELiiUSCli,  Rudor jf' s  sv riant 

Josef  Becker,  Glahn's  servant 

August  Schmitz,  a  Banher 

Else  Reimann 

Ollicens,  Non-uomiuissioned  01Hcoi>,  Orderlies,  etc. 


yiCT  I 
OFFICERS'  MESS    ROOM   IN   BARRACKS 

Acr  II 

RUDORFF'S   ROOM  IN   BARRACKS,   A  WEEK   LATER 
lO  30.   P.M. 

ACT  III 
THE  SAME.     THE  FOLLOWING  EVENING 

ACT  IV 

THE  SAME.      THREE   DAYS   LATER.      SUNDAY 

AFTERNOON    IN   CARNIVAL  WEEK 

ACT  V 

SAME   AS   ACT   I.      EARLY   DAWN   OF   SHROVE 
TUESDAY  MORNING 


LOVE'S  CARNIVAL 


THE   FIRST  ACT 

Scene. — The  Officers'  Mess  Room  in  Barracks.  A  large 
room — half  panelled  in  dark  oak.  G,  a  big  horse- 
shoe table,  at  which  some  tioenty  or  more  Officers 
are  seated.  Back  <J,  two  loide  tvindo7vs,  betiveen 
lohich  hangs  the  life-size  jjortrait  of  a  former 
Colonel.  Through  the  vmidows,  ^xcrt  of  the  Bar- 
rack Yard  and  a  stretch  of  ^JrtrarZe  grou7id  are 
seen.  li,  two  doors,  one  leading  to  offices,  kitchens, 
cCv. ;  the  other,  lower  down,  to  the  ante-room. 
Between  the  doors,  a  tall  oak  sideboard ;  upon  it, 
regimental  plate,  cups,  bowls,  wine  coolers,  dec. 
Back  li,  in  a  corner,  an  easel  loith  the  "  Regimental 
Book."  In  back  corner  L,  a  large  stove.  Down 
L,  folding  doors  to  passages  beyond  ;  the  back  wall 
of  passage  being  visible  when  these  doors  are  open, 
covered  vnth  innumerable  framed  photographs  of 
all  sorts  and  sizes — some  of  them  decorated  uiith 
faded  laurel  leaves  and  strij^s  of  crape.  All  round 
the  table,  strong,  plain  cane-bottomed  oak  chairs 
are  set.  Eteri/  detail  of  the  scene  is  simple  and 
workmanlike,  but  the  general  impression  is  one  of 
comfort  and  "  bien-etre." 

A 


2  LOVE'S  CARNIVAL 

The  Ciirtain  rises  ttpon  a  hum  of  conversation,  the 
Officers  being  still  at  mess,  laughiny  and  talking 
animatedly  in  groups.  Luncheon  is  just  over  and 
the  Orderlies  are  clearing  the  tables  jyi'evious  to 
bringing  coffiee,  liqueurs,  dx.  The  Sexior  Captain 
sits  facing  audience  with  a  Younger  Captain  on 
either  side.  The  Mess  President  —  Yon  Mar- 
SCHALL — also  facing  audience  at  corner  of  table. 
The  Junior  Officers  are  grouped  front.  There 
are  a  feu)  vacant  seats  at  talle.  For  the  rest  the 
Officer's  are  all  seated,  more  or  less,  according  to 
rank  and  su])eriority .  The  Senior  Captain  raps 
suddenly  and  authoritatively  on  the  table  tvithout 
rising ;  there  is  an  instantaneous  hush  in  the 
someiohat  noisy  surrounding  conversation. 

Captain, 

Gentlemen !!!..,  Lieutenant  Yon  Marschall 
claims  your  attention  a  moment,  please  ! 

Yon  Marschall. 

[liises  abruptly.]  Er — yes.  .  .  .  Tiiat's  to  say — 
Gentlemen,  I  wished  to  remark — to  remind  you, 
rather — that  according  to  previous  arrangement  we've 
decided  to  precede  our  annual  Carnival  Ball — fixed,  as 
you'll  doubtless  remember,  for  Shrove  Tuesday — by  a 
regimental  entertainment  of  some  sort.  Briefly,  we've 
—  er  —  decided  on  amateur  theatricals,  and  have 
settled  to  do  a  play — Schiller's  romantic  drama — 
"  The  Glove !  " 

[They  all  clap  and  applaud. 

.  .  .  Well,  several    gent]emen    have    already  kindly 
\olunteered   assistance  in  the  production  ;  the  cast  'r- 


LOVE'S  CARNIVAL  3 

practically  complete,  in  fact  .  .  .  the  pai-ts  of  the 
wild  beasts  are  very  satisfactorily  distributed — as 
follows  :  [Taking  a  jxijier  froiii  table,  he  reacZ.s.]  The 
— er — the  leading  leopards,  tv-o — by  the  Herrn  Von 
Rambei'g.  .  .  . 

All, 
Bravo  ! 

[The  Ram  BERG  Brothers  rise  simultaneously 
amidst  gene^rd  laughter  and  applaitse 
and  make  p'ofou7id  burlesque  bov^s  to 
Von  Marschall. 

Von  Marschall. 
.  .  .  Principal  tiger.  Lieutenant  von  Grobitzsch  !  .  .  . 

[Von  Grobitsch,  a  big,  handsome,  dissipated- 

loohing  dark  7nan  of  38  to  40,  vnth  a 

■  cynical  smile  and  bored  manner,  is  about  to 

rise  in  turn  ;  Von  Marschall  clutches 

his  shoulder  and  forces  him  doum  again. 

Sit   down ! !  .   .   .  First  lion — Captain  Von  Itzen- 
plitz. 

All. 
Oh!  Oh! 

\A  iiniversal  roar  of  laughter;  shouts  of 
"  Bravo,"  "  Splendid,"  civ. 

Von  Marschall. 

[Tries  to  onake  hi7nself  audible  above  the  di^i,]  .  .  . 
Fran  Von  Itzonplitz  is  quite  agreeable  .   .  . 

[Jtenevjed  .'shouts,  laughter,  and  cries  of  ^*  Xext^ 
please." 


4  LOVE'S  CARNIVAL 

Finally — for  Friiulein  Kunigund — I've  secured  a  most 
attractive  leading  lady  .   .   .  who — who'll 

[Wild  applause — shovts  of^'  Xame  !  Name  ! 
Who  is  it  ?  " 

Von  Marschall. 
She — er — he — insists  on  anonymity  .  .  . 

Paul. 
Benno  !  Prosit ! ! 

[Shouts  of  "  Quite  right ! "  and  reviewed 
latighter,  during  tvhich  Benno  Von 
Klewitz,  a  fair,  "  jweWy,"  rather  effemi- 
nate hoy  of  20,  becomes  acutely  self  con- 
scious, and  smiles  painfully. 

VoN  Marschall. 

In  conclusion,  as  the  remaining  female  parts  aren't 
quite  so  easy  to  cast — and  as  the  management  finds 
itself  in  a  dilemma  on  this  point,  it  has  appealed  to 
the  good  feeling  and  strict  sense  of  duty  so  strikingly 
exemplified  in  our  younger  ofiicers !  [Glanchig  mean- 
ingly towards  a  group  of  Junior  Subalterns.]  .  .  . 
Being,  moreover,  unhampered,  for  the  most  part,  by 
superfluous  hirsute  appendages,  their  makes-up — well! 
.  .  .  any  way — I  wish  all  who  intend  to  help  would 
send  me  in  their  names  to-night !  [He  sinks  ex- 
haustedly  into  a  chair,  but  suddenly  sjmngs  to  his  feet 
again.]  I'd  clean  forgotten  to  add  that  all  the  makes- 
up  for  the  animals  are  duly  ordered  and  in  hand.  .  .  . 
But  as  regards  the  "  extra  ladies  "  costumes  [wearihf] 
.  .  .  Well,  gentlemen — you  must  just  fake  'em  your- 
selves, somehow ! — but,  doubtless  you've  some  of  you 


LOVE'S  CARNIVAL  5 

—  acquaintances  ...  in     the     neighbourhood     who 
miglit  .  .   , 

[He  is  tunmltuously  interrupted  and  sits 
down  amidst  a  storm  of  cheers^  lauyhter 
and  cries  of'Oh!  Oh)'' 

8EXIUII  Captain. 

\Risiwj  and  hoxoimj  vnth  stiff  formalitij,  inclasiveiit 
to  every  one.]  Gentlemen  ...  by  your  leave  ? 

[All  rise  simultaneously  and  boin,  the  Juniors 
stand  at  attention  behind  their  chairs  as 
the  Senior  Officers  go  out.  The  remain- 
ing Officers  gradually  re-seat  themselves. 
The  Orderlies  meantime  have  lighted  the 
candles  on  the  table,  ('offee  and  liqueurs 
a,re  served,  and  all  who  are  not  already 
smoking  light  cigars  andj  cigarettes.  A 
third  Orderly  enters  with  a  note-book 
and  jots  down  orders  from  different 
Officers.  The  remaining  .Juniors,  after 
saluting  their  sxt]w,riors,  who  are  seated 
in  grouqjs,  and  who  acknowledge  them 
with  friendly  nods — go  off.  As  Fritz 
VON  DER.  Lehen,  ivho  is  last  of  all, 
reaches  the  door,  Petek  von  Rambero 
shouts  to  him. 

Peter. 

Fritz !      Look    here,    boy,   you    know    that    Hans 
returns  to  day  ? 

FlilTZ. 

[Starting.]  Hans  .   .    .  Tc-day  i      .   . 


6  LOVE'S  CARNIVAL 

Peter. 
Yes,  to-day,  by  the  two-fifteen.     Are  you  on  duty  ? 

Fritz. 

Gymnasium — three  to  five  ;  that's  all.  I  must  go 
and  change. 

Peter. 

Well,  then,  come  back  after — if  you  care  to.  We're 
sitting  tight  here,  any  way,  Paul  and  I  .  .  .  We're 
standing  him  a  dinner  and  a  bottle  or  two  of  fizz — 
just  to  mark  the  occasion ;  one  can't  ignore  it, 
naturally. 

Fritz. 

[Uesitatinylf/ .]  .  .  .  Thanks  .  .  .  But  then  —  is 
everything  quite — quite 

Peter. 

[Sharpli/.]  What? 

Fritz. 

I  meant — I  mean  ...  is  everything  quite  right 
with  him  now.  .  .  .  You  know  what  ^nij  opinion 
was  .  .   .  ? 

Peter. 

Everything's  right,  my  boy,  everything.  ■  .  .  [  With 
brusque  change  of  manner  to  sudden  cordiality.^  Well, 
then — you'll  join  us  later, — what? 

Fritz. 
Thanks  ;  gladly,  if  I'm  free. 

Peter. 

Free  ?  Of  course  you're  free.  80 — meantime,  aa 
revoir.  [Fritz  salutes  and  (joes  out. 


LOVE'S  CARNIVAL 


[Buri/Kj  the  foregoing  conversation  Vox 
Grobitzsch  has  languidly  moved  dovrn 
to  end  of  tahle^  where  he  sits  smoking. 


(iROBITZSCIl. 


[Saddenli/  to  Orderli/.]  Orderly  !  Clear  this  table 
— and  look  sharp  about  it.  We're  going  to  play.  I 
say  —  you  —  Marschall^ — and  Glahn — fall  in!  No 
shirking  this  time  !  Here  you  !  Cards !  Cards  ! ! ! 
Cards  and  beer  !     Look  alive  !   .   .   . 


Orderly  ! 
Sir! 


Peter. 

Orderly. 

Peter. 


Some   cup !     Ask  Tiedemann   to   .see    to   it.     He 
understands. 

J'Jitter  Tiedemann. 

Ah  !  Tiedemann,  just  the  man  I  want  !     See  to  some 
"  cup  "  for  us,  will  you — and  hurry  up  ! 

Tiedemann. 

Very  good,  sir.  [Salutes  and  goes  out  qidcklij. 

[Dioring  the  foregoing  scene,  most  of  the 
Officers  have  gone  off'.  The  Ram  berg 
Brothers,  ivith  Diesterberg  and  Benno 
Von  Klewitz,  seat  themselres  lower  end 
of  table.  Two  seats  remain  empty,  be- 
tween Peter  and  Paul.  Dr.  Meitzen, 
meantime,  paces  thoughtfully  to  and  fro 
in  the  background,  smoking.  Crobitzscji 
is  seated,  playing  ivhisl  with  VoN  Mar- 


8  LOVE'S  CARNIVAL 

SCHALL  and  Glahx.  Orderlies  come 
and  (JO  througho^it,  laying  tico  fresh 
places,  re-arranging  the  dessert,  dx.  dx. 

Peter. 

^Irrelevantly  and  suddenly  to  Paul,  laughing J\ 
What  piice  little  Fritz — with  liis  "opinions" — eh'i 
.   .  .     Killing !   .   .   . 

[Paul  merely  shrugs  his  shoulders  and  lights 
afresh  cigarette. 

MORITZ. 

[With  a  laugh.]  1  say,  what's  the  brew  going  to  be 
th's  time,  eh  ? 

Peter. 

[Laughing.]  Wait  and  see,  my  son!  All  in  good 
time  ! 

[TiEDEMANN  re-enters   unth '  a  large  silver  bowl,  tvhich 
he  deposits  in  front  0/ Peter.] 

TiEDEMANN. 

[7'o  the  Ordtrltes.]  Glasses !  Glasses !  The  long 
tumblers. 

Paul. 

[Qtcoting.]  "See!   it  comes — it  brims  with  joy!" 

Peter. 

..."  Love — and   every   pleasure  !  " 

[//e  rises,  tastes  and  begins  stirring  the  contents 
of  the  bov)l  with  a  large  silver  ladle  ;  the 
card  players  look  i(,p  in  amazement. 


LOVE'S  CARNIVAL  9 

Glaiin. 
Hello !    .    .    .     What,    more    drinks  ?      In    whose 
honour  ? 

Von  Marschall. 

Dont  you  know  ? 

Grobitzscii. 
[With  studied  indiffej-ence.]  Rudorfi''s. 

Glaiin. 
Rudorff's  .   .   .  ?     Really  ?     I  understood  he'd   got 
six  months'  leave  or  something  i 

Grobitzsch. 
Certainly  ;  he  had  ;  but  it's  up.     So  he'll  be  fresh 
to  take  on  all  the  old  games  again. 

Glahn. 
yXot  following.']  Games  !     What — the    piano-play- 
ing business,  d'you  mean  ? 

[Grobitzsch  gives  a  short  sarcastic  laugh. 

Von  Marschall. 
I   don't  see  where    the    laugh    comes   in.      You've 
never  heaid  him  play,  Grobitzsch  .   .   .  it's  great,   I 
tell  you.     He's  an  artist. 

Grobitzsch. 
Pity  he  mistook  his  vocation  !     Ought  to  have  been 
an  organ-grinder. 

[lie  and  Glahn  laugh ;  the   others   look   up 
inquiringly. 

Vox  Marschall. 
[Suilo  t'oce.]  .Shut   up,    (irobitzsch  !      IJy    tlie   way, 
Ramberg — how  is  your  cousin — i-eally,  now  i 


10  LOVE'S  CARNIVAL 

Paul. 

First  rate,  thanks  ! 

Peter. 

Kever  better  in  his  life,  so  I  hear.  You'll  be  able 
to  judge  for  yourself  directly,  Marschall.  He  and 
Harold  are  overdue  now. 

[Von   Grobitzsc'h  gives   an   exclamation  of 
annoyance,  takes  a  fresh  pack  and  deals. 

Von  Marschall. 
He  was  damned  queer  when  he  left.   .  .   .     Have 
his  nerves  got  right  again  ? 

Peter. 
Absolutely,  thank  the  Lord, 

Klewitz. 
Beastly  things,  nerves !  .  .   .    They  play  the  devil 
with    a   man's   stomach,    too.     I    say.  Doctor — what 
d'you  call  the  thing  in  Latin  ? 

Doctor. 
What  thing  ? 

Klewitz. 
Why,  you  know^  Rudorfl''s  complaint  ?  You'd  got 
a  splendid  name  for  it — yards  long — and  it  so  im- 
pressed the  Authorities  that  they  gave  him  six 
months'  leave  straight  off,  without  turning  a  hair. 
What  was  it  ? 

Doctor. 
Neurasthenia  cerebralis. 

Klewitz. 
New — new — rassthenia — cebel — celeb—  .  .  .  what? 


LOVE'S  CARNIVAL  ii 

Doctor. 
Cerebi'alis. 

Klewitz. 
Sapi'isti ! ! 

Paul. 

My  dear  l^octor,  aren't  you  going  to  sit  down  ? 
Your  seat  yearns  for  you !  Barring  all  humbug, 
though,  if  it  hadn't  been  for  you  he'd  never  have 
pulled  through  .   .   . 

Doctor. 

\Qmetly,  seatvuj  himself.^  Oh,  come  !  He'd  many 
things  in  his  favour ;  youth,  and  a  splendid  constitu- 
tion. More  thanks  to  them  than  me.  \^Ueartilij.\  So 
he's  really  quite  fit  again  ? 

Peter. 

Kather !  An  astounding  recoveiy,  so  they  .say. 
The  dear  old  grandmother  writes  in  ecstasies  .  .  . 

Paul. 

[Ladliny  out  the  "  cup"]  Here,  Moritz.  Try  the 
brew,  will  you  ?     Is  it  all  right  ?  .   .   . 

[MoRiTZ  sips  and  looks  embarrassed. 
Well,  what's  wrong  ? 

MORITZ. 

yHastili/.]  Oh,  nothing's  wrotu/  exactly.  .  .  .  Only, 
— well — they've  not  been  triUlhj  reckless  with  the 
chammy !  ,  .  .  eh  ? 

Paul. 

YTasiing,  makes  a  face.]  (!ad  !  They  haven't!  ! 
[Shouts.]  Orderly  ! — another  bottle  of  champagne  ! 

[Orderli/  (joes  out  quicklij. 


12  LOVE'S  CARNIVAL 

DOCTOK. 

By  the  way,  Ramberg,  where'ts  youi-  cousin  been 
staying  latterly  ?  He's  not  coming  straight  from 
Switzerland,  surely  ? 

Peter. 

No.  He's  been  spending  the  last  few  weeks  with 
the  grandmother  near  Cologne.  "  Her  convalescent," 
she  calls  him  .   .   . 

Doctor. 

Ah !     I  see. 

[7'/te  Orderly  re-enters  with  the  chavijxcrpie, 
opens  it,  and  is  about  to  jwur  it  out  laheit 
MoRiTZ  seizes  the  bottle. 

MORITZ. 

No,  you  don't,  my  friend  !  Hands  off!  this  is  vij/ 
job.  [lie  pours  it  into  the  hoiol  and  stirs  it.]  So ! 
That's  better  !      [He  seizes  fresh  glasses  and  Jills  them. 

Paul. 

[Tasting.]  Divine!!  Moritz  .  .  .  where'd  the  old 
Corps  be  without  you  '<■  Tiy  it,  Doctor — and  give  us 
your  professional  opinion.     What's  the  diagnosis  ? 

Doctor. 

[Tasting,  unenthusiastically.]  H'm  .  .  .  No  harm 
in  it  .  .  .    Perfectly  innocuous. 

Crobitzsch. 

[Sotto  voce — as  he  deals.]  Touching,  isn't  it  '^  Waters 
of  regeneration  distilled  for  the  lavation  of  the  Pro- 
digal !  May  he  emerge  therefrom  chastened  and 
purified — to  the  joy  of  all  good  women  ! 


LOVE'S  CARNIVAL  13 

Jn  Orderlj/  enter $,  to  Peter. 

Orderly. 
The  gentlemen  are  here,  sir. 

Peter. 

[Rising  ^^  Ah  !  ...  at  last ! 

Paul. 
[Rising.']  Good! 

MORITZ. 

[Springing  up.]  Let's  go  and  fetch  'em  in ! 

[Exeunt  the  Brothers,  Benno  Von  Kleavitz, 
MoRiTz,  and  the  Doctor. 

Grobitzsch. 

[Disgustedly.  Flinging  cards  on  table.]  Sickening ! 
Scandalous  kicking  up  such  a  cursed  fuss  over  this 
cub's  return.  .  .  .  An  upstart  son  of  a  .  .  .  grand- 
mother. 

Von  Marschall. 

Why  not  ?  Remember,  there's  more  joy  in  Heaven 
over  one  sinner,  &c.  &c.,  than  .  .  .  but  do  leave  the 
poor  old  lady's  name  out  of  it,  anyway  ?  Where  does 
she  come  in  ? 

Grobitzsch. 

She  ?  [Lavghs.]  Why,  I  thought  you  were  better 
infoi-med.  She  was  at  the  bottom  of  the  whole  thing, 
of  course,  and  she  alone.  ...  It  seems  she  un- 
earthed some  asinine  cock-and-bull  story  about  a  girl 
Hans  was  mixed  up  with.  .  .  .  Nothing  worth  a 
moment's  consideration.  .  .  .  However — the  old  lady 


14  LOVE'S  CARNIVAL 

was  rabid,  and  started  writing  heartrending  appeals 
on  the  snbject  to  her  old  friend,  the  Colonel. 

Von  Marschall. 
How  d'you  know  ?     Pi'obably  all  a  lie  ! 

Grobitzsch. 

It  was  so,  I  tell  you.  The  Rambergs  are  pre- 
sumably to  be  trusted  ? 

Von  Marschall. 

Well,  the  moral  of  it  is,  brother  officers  should  avoid 
having  mutual  relations  of  any  sort — especially 
grandmothers. 

Gkobitzscii. 

Hear,  hear  !  .  .  .  But  there's  no  question  as  to  the 
whole  pother  having  originated  with  he?'  letters.  Too 
comic  for  words  !  And  as  climax,  this  damned  moon- 
struck troubadour  must  needs  go  and  rag  himself  into 
a  brain  fever  over  a  ti-ifling  everyday  episode  not 
worth  a  tinker's  curse !  .  .  .  You  bet  he  blesses  the 
old  woman  now  .  .  .  he's  a  lot  to  thank  her  for  ! 

Von  Marschall. 

If  it  comes  to  that,  you're  not  so  innocent  in  this 
matter  as  you  pretend  to  be. 

Grobitzsch. 
[With  quick  resentment].    What  d'you  mean?  .  .  . 

VoN  Marschall. 

[Propitiatingly.]  Well  ...  I  mean,  the  girl  in 
question,  Else  .  .  .  was  his  girl  right  enough, — and 
after  all 


LOVE'S  CARNIVAL  15 

Grobitzsch. 
Certainlj/  : — what  of  that  ? 

Von  Marschall. 

Oh,  come — damn  it  all,  Grobitzsch, — seeing  how 
cursedly  the  poor  devil  took  it  to  heart  .  .  .  besides 
which,  she  was  a  very  decent  sort — straight  as  a  line. 
For  my  part— but  there,  let's  change  the  subject. 

Grobitzsch. 

No,  wait  a  minute : — this  rather  interests  me ! 
Lamentable  that  I've  such  a  callous  conscience ! — These 
unexpected  .  .  .  reproaches  are  a  shock ! 

VoN  Marschall. 
[Quickly.]  Reproaches  ?    Who  spoke  of  reproaches  ? 

Grobitzsch. 
[Suavely],  You. 

Von  Marschall. 

I  ?     Then  I  apologise  and  retract.     I  never  meant 

to  insinuate 

Grobitzsch. 

[Quietly f  but  through  his  teeth.]  No— you'd  better 
not!  .  .  .  [There  is  a  brief  strained  pause. 

Glahn. 

After  all,  my  dear  Marschall,  the  girl  was  nobody. 
And — seeing  the  infernal  airs  she  gave  herself 

Von  Marschall. 

Yes — by  Jove  !  But  this  isn't  cards,  all  the  same. 
I  vote  we  finish  our  game  in  the  ante-room.    [Rising, 


i6  LOVE'S  CARNIVAL 

Grobitszch. 
Why  ? 

Von  Marschall. 

Well,  obviously,  my  dear  Grobitzscli.  .  .  .  Show  a 
little  common  humanity — for  once  !  .  .  .  You  can 
hardly  suppose  you're  the  first  person  poor  lludorff'll 
wish [He  checks  himself  avjkwardly. 

Grobitzsch. 
[Looking  him  straight  in  the  eyes.^  .  .  .  Well? 

Von  Marschall. 

Let  the  poor  devil  enjoy  his  home-coming  in  peace 
.  .  .  with  just  his  few  closest  and  best  friends.  .  .  . 

Grobitzsch. 

His  best  friends  ?  [He  pauses,  then  continues  with 
an  enigmatic  smile.^  So,  you  consider  the  Rambergs 
his  "best"  friends? 

Von  Marschall, 

Well,  then — his  relations,  if  you  prefer  it.  Come 
on,  you  fellows. 

Grobitzsch. 

Not  I !  I  don't  stir.  As  far  as  I'm  concerned  he 
can  celebrate  his  silver  wedding  in  my  presence  if  he 
likes.     Your  deal  ? 

Glahn. 
Mine?  .   .  . 

Von  Marschall. 

Ssh  !     Look  out !     Here  he  is, 


LOVE'S  CARNIVAL  17 

Enter  Hans  Rudorff,  a  youny  officer  0/  25  w  so. 
lie  is  tall,  virile,  and  very  good-looking,  with 
a  sensitive,  thoughtful,  toell-bred  face — rather 
pale  still, — his  general  appearance  suggesting  re- 
covery from  recent  severe  illness — and  still  lingei'ing 
slight  delicacy.  He  is  in  civilian  clothes — a  plain 
dark  suit.  He  is  immediately  folloived  by  Harold 
Hoffmann,  a  big,  fair  man,  with  a  kind,  strong, 
serious  face,  and  an  abrupt,  very  "  military " 
mangier.  He  is  followed  by  the  Rambergs, 
MoRiTZ,  Klewitz,  and  the  Doctor.  The  card- 
players  rise,  Grobitzsch  last,  with  ostentatious 
deliberation.  Hans  starts  slightly  as  his  eyes 
fall  on  the  latter,  but  he  instantly  recovers  himself, 
and  coming  doivn,  stretches  oat  his  hand  to  Mar- 
SCHALL  toith  a  frank,  charmhig  smile.  Marschall 
goes  forioard  to  him  and  vrrings  his  hand  cor- 
dially. 

Von  Marschall. 

My  dear  old  boy  !     How  are  you  !     Quite  lit  again  ? 

Hans. 

[War-inly.'\    Quite,    thanks — Ah! — there    you    are, 
Gkhn  ! 

Glahn. 

How  are  you  ?  .  .  .  Welcome,  old  boy ! 

Hans. 

[  'Taming  to  Grobitzsch,  reservedly  bat  qaite  simply.^ 
J  low  are  you  ? 

[  They  shake  ha.tids  distantly. 


Grobitzsch. 


How  are  you  i 


I8  LOVE'S  CARNIVAL 

Peter. 
{^Shoutiny J\  Ordeily — the  .soup  ! 

Paul. 

[^Talcing  Hans  bj  the  cwm.]  Come  and  sit  down,  old 
boy! 

Hans. 

Delighted  !     I'm  starving,  simply  ravenous ! 

Peter. 

Good !  It's  all  ready.  Here,  yoa  yit  here,  and 
Harold  there,  on  that  side. 

[Evevi/  one  sits  doion  simultaneoushj .  Gro- 
bitzsch,Marschall  and  Glahn  resuminy 
their  original  jylo^ces. 

Grobitzsch. 
Your  deal,  Glahn ! 

Two  Orderlies  enter — O^ie  hands  the  soup, 
the  Other  wine. 

MORITZ. 

My  dear  Hans,  in  order  to  avoid  possible  miscon- 
ceptions, let  me  break  to  you  that  I'm  not  responsible 
for  this  ! 

Klewitz. 

'Pon  my  soul,  Hans,  you  look  like  a  girl !  .  .  .  You 
— youve  positively  started  a  .  .  .  complexion  ! 

Paul. 

[Lauyhiny.]  Well,  if  he  is  a  tritie  ofl'  colour  still — 
a  breath  or  two  of  real  good  old  bairack-yard  air'll 
soon  set  him  up  again. 


LOVES  CARNIVAL  19 

Hans. 

[Joining  frankly  in  the  general  laugh.]  All  veiy  tine, 
boys ;  but  I  precious  nearly  kicked  the  bucket !  .  .   . 

Peter. 

Why,   you've   put   on   weight,    by  Jove!     Grand- 
mother been  doing  you  too  well — eh  ? 

An  Orderly  enters  and  hands  second  course. 

Klewitz, 
Gad  !  he's  as  fat  as  a  8tafl"  Officer  ! 

MORITZ. 

"  Let  me  have  men  about  me  that  are  fat !  "  .  .  . 

Hans. 

Now,  my  dear  Doctor,  your  turn.  You're  pleased 
with  me,  I  trust  i 

Doctor. 

Immensely ;  it's  amazing !  When  I  think  what 
you  were  when  you  left  us 

Hans. 

[iSimling.]  Rather !  .  .  .  that's  the  main  point. 

[He  gives  his  hand  to  Meitzen  ;  there  is  a 
brief  affectionate  handshake  between  them. 

Peter. 

Now,  Moritz,  tire  away  with  your  speech  t  You're 
a  bit  unprepared,  I  know :  "  unaccustomed  as  I  am  to 
public  .speaking — I " 


20  LOVE'S  CARNIVAL 

[Shouts  of  "  Oh  !  oh  !  "  "  Get  out  of  it !  "  and 
laughter,  during  which  Moritz  rises  self- 
consciously, clears  his  throat  and  thumps 
on  table. 

Moritz. 
Gentlemen !  .  .  . 

Hans. 

\_Emharrassed,  jyi'otestinylyj]  Cut  it  short,  old  boy, 
for  God's  sake ! 

Moritz. 

Gentlemen  !  for  six  long  months  our  Hans  has  been 
absent  from  our  midst.  .  .  .  For  a  long  time  we  were 
in  more  than  anxiety  about  him,  both  on  the  score  of 
health,  and — and — \Jie  hesitates  momentarihj]  on  other 
grounds — -which — which  are  neither  here  nor  there. 
Anyway — it's  superfluous  entirely  for  any  one  of  us 
to  emphasise  the  fact  that  we've  missed  him  badly. 
Well,  anyhow — thank  Heaven,  here  he  is,  once  more 
amoDgst  us,  strong  and  fit  as  ever — and  ready  to 
resume  his  old  place  and  duties  in  the  Regiment,  with 
vihoae  proudest  and  most  sacred  traditions  the  name  of 
Rudorff  is  inseparably  connected.  Gentlemen,  fill 
up,  and  join  me  in  my  toast ! 

[All  rise  e-ccept  the  three  card,  players. 

Our  dear  old  Hans  ! — worthy  grandson  of  the  gallant 
Colonel  who  fell  so  gloriously  at  Mars-la-Tour,  at  the 
head  of  the  Old  Corps,  our  Regiment !  [lie  raises  his 
glass  towards  the  picture  betrveen  the  v^indoivs.^^  Our 
Hans !  .  .  .  Health,  luck,  and  long  life  to  him  i  .  .  . 
Hoch  !  Hoch  !— and  again  Hoch  !!!... 

[All  piresent,  excejjt  Gkoiutzscii,  Glahn  and 
Von  Marsciiall, joi/t  in  the  "  Hoch  "  and 


LOVE'S  CARNIVAL  21 

drink  the  toast  with  enthusiasm.  Thr, 
three  former,  however,  have  sat  silent 
and  impassive,  hut  closely  observant, 
throughout  Moritz's  speech,  exchanging 
questioning  glatices  from  time  to  time. 
As  the  shout  ceases,  Marsciiall  and 
Glahn  lay  doum  their  cards. 

Von  Marschall. 
l^Half -rising .']  Yonr  health,  Hudorft'!   .  .   .  Prosit  I 

Glaiix. 

[Same  busi7iess.]  Prosit! — Rudorff! 

Groeitzscii, 
[Seated.]  Prosit ! 

[He  lifts  his  glass  toroards  Hans,  hut  sets  it 
down  untasted.  Hans  rises  silently, 
touched  and  rather  unnerved.  Ue  nods 
quickly  to  each  in  turn  in  grateful 
recognition,  drains  a  full  glass,  and  re- 
seats himself. 

Harold. 

[l^ouching  glasses  with  Moritz,   shakes  his  head. 
Same   old  Moritz !  .  .  .  Words,  words,  words  !  .  . 
But  we're  grateful  all  the  same ! 

Peter. 

Not  empty  words,  at  any  rate,   my  dear  Hans ! 
Here's  to  you  ! 

[Tie  and  Paul  touch  glasses  with  Hans. 


22  LOVE'S  CARNIVAL 

Paul. 

You  ! — and  the  Regiment !  .  .  . 

[All — except  the  card  players — drink  to 
him.  There  is  a  brief  pause.  Hans 
fidgets  absently  with  the  food  before  him, 
then  pushes  his  2^l<it^  from  him  with  a 
tired,  distrait  sigh  ;  but  siiddenly  recollect- 
i7ig  circumstances  and  surroundings,  jndls 
himself  together  loith  an  effort. 

Hans. 

The  Regiment !  Yes !  yes — of  course !  .  .  .  [.4 
fresh  course  is  placed  before  Amj.]  Hello  !  J/ore  food  ! 
I  say  !   .  .   .  What  the  devil's  this  ? 

MORITZ. 

The  Fatted  Calf,  dear  boy !  Reared  on  the  pre- 
mises, and  slaughteied,  this  very  day,  by  our  dear  Frau 
Lubahn,  in  honour  of  the  Prodigal's  return  ! 

Klewitz, 
And  duly  cut  in  slices  ! 

Hans, 

You're  looking  fit  enough,  Benno — not  changed  a 
bit!  ...  Eh? 

Klewitz. 

Why  should  /  change  ?  What's  the  use — Prosit, 
old  boy  ;  and  in  the  fullest  sense ! 

Hans. 

Thanks  ;  same  to  you  ! 


LOVE'S  CARNIVAL  23 

MORITZ. 

Eveiybody's  health — all  round  ! 

[Me  refills  his  own  glass   and  tlwse  nearest 
him.     All  laugh  and  drink. 

And  to  the  Old  Corps  ! 

[AU  drain  their  glasses. 

Klewitz. 

Sapristi  !  [Looking  at  his  toato/i,]  A  rout  march  at 
three,  and  it's  ten  to  now  !  [lie  jv.mj^s  itp.]  /  must 
rush !  Awfully  sorry,  Hans,  but  j-ou'll  excuse  me, 
won't  you  ?  .  .  .  [Shakes  hands  vmrmly  with  Haxs.] 
Au  revoir  !  [He  hurries  out. 

Paul. 

[Taking  Klewitz's  cAcaV.]  Well,  now,  Hans — come, 
— tell  us  things  .   .   .  What  news  ? 

Hans. 

[Suddenly  absorbed  in  the  food  before  him,]  None,  far 
as  I'm  concerned.  .  .  .  Oh,  yes — by  the  way — [trying 
to  speak  indifferently]  Grandma, — let  me  see  now, — 
Grandma  sends  you  both  her  fond  love, — and  I'm  to 
say  she  looks  upon  you  two  .  .  .  what  was  it  ?  [he 
imitates,  half  ivhirnsically,  half  tenderly]  ''  as  the  prop 
and  pride  of  her  declining  years." 

Peter. 

By  Jove,  she's  a  wonder — isn't  she, — grandmother  ? 
I  say,  we  must  drink  her  health  !  Here,  boys  !  You 
must  all  join  ! 

MORITZ. 

Kather  !     Causa  bibendi  !  [AU  drink. 


24  LOVE'S  CARNIVAL 

Grobitzsch. 
[Shoimncf  his  hand.^  Done  ! 

Von  Marschall. 

[Laughing.]  'Pon  my  soul,  your  rlamn'd  inilncky  just 
now,  Grobitzseh  ! 

Grobitzsch. 

[Shrugging  his  shoulders.]  What  d'you  expect  ? 
That's  nothing  new  !  Orderly,  put  the  beer  down  to 
me  ! 

[Von  MARSf!HALL  avd  Glahn  risp.  and  go  across. 

Glahx. 

[Passi7ig  JIa^s.]  An  i^evoir,  RudorlV! 

[Boins  ami  goes  out. 
All. 

[Simultaneoush/.]  Au  revoir  ! 

Von  Marschall. 

[Passing  Hans.]  "Well,  my  dear  Rudorff,  now  you'll 
be  fit  for  duty  again,  I  hope,  and 

Hans. 

Thanks !  No  more  malingering  now.  [Shaking 
Von  Marsohall's  hand.]  It'll  all  be  different. 

VoN  Marschall. 

[To  the  ot/iers.]  Good-bye,  you  fellows!  Don't  tire 
yourselves  !     Don't  overdo  it ! 

All. 

[In  chorus,  latighing.]  Good  inorning  /  Same  to 
you,  &c.  [Von  Marschall  goes  out  laughing. 


LOVE'S  CARNIVAL  25 

An  Orderly  has  entered  meantime,  with  Order-book, 
lohich  he  places  open  on  the  table  before  Von 
Grobitzsch,     He  salutes  and  goes  out. 

[Other  Orderlies  ineantime  clear  table,  light 
candles  and  put  cigars,  cigarettes,  rf'c, 
before  Hans  and  Harold,  who  smoke. 

Grobitzsch. 

[Pushi7ig  chair  back,  studies  Order-book  absorbedly  for 
some  seconds,  then  swMenhj  looks  up.  To  Orderly. '\ 
Bring  me  a  small  Cognac !  [Orderly  goes  out. 

MORITZ. 

[To  Hans.]  Well,  now,  old  boy,  tell  us  some  of  your 
experiences.  What  sort  of  time  have  you  had — take 
it  for  all  in  all  ?  Been  composing,  or  writing  verses — 
what? 

Hans. 

[Wearily,]  God  forbid! 

MORITZ. 

Pity  !     Thousand  pities  !   .  .  . 

Hans 

Think  so  ?  [With  a  slight  laugh.]  I'm  going  to  leave 
that  job  to  1/0?/ — now.  .  .  .  [Suddenly  looking  straight 
at  MoRiTZ.]  Any  way  .  .  .  Yes — well, — I've  had 
some — some  experiences  of  course — rather  strange 
experiences — one  way  and  another. 

MORITZ. 

Aha  !     Go  on  !     Don't  blush  !— Toll  us  ! 


26  LOVE'S  CARNIVAL 

Hans. 

[Dreamily,  as  ij  jar  avxiy.]  Tell  you  ? — what  ?  .  .  . 
Things  undreamed  of  in  your  philosophy  .  .  .  [A 
brief  pause — then  sudde7ili/.]  And  first  of  all — I've 
actually  been 

[Catching  Von  Grobitzsch's  eye,  he  instantly 
checks  himself. 

Peter. 
Weill 

Hans. 

[Trying  to  sjyeak  indifferently.]  I've  actually  been 
fool  enough  to  miss  you  all  most  damnably ! 

MORITZ. 

Bar  humbug  ?  [He  laughs  and  dri^iks  to  him. 

Harold. 

[Brusquely.]  By  the  way,  Hans,  what  d'you  say  to 
the  new — er — new — arrangement?  They've  shifted 
you,  you  know, — and  you're  in  barracks  now  ? 

Hans. 

[Itidiffey-ently.]  Good  Lord  !  in  barracks  or  out  of 
barracks — what's  the  odds  ?  ...  so  long  as  I  get  a 
breath  of  fresh  air  now  and  again 

MORITZ. 

Air  ?  Finest  air  in  Christendom  !  Quintessence 
of  concentrated  barrack  yard 

Paul. 
It's  a  healthy  atmosphere — and  life  in  barracks  has 
its  compensations 


LOVE'S  CARNIVAL  27 

Hans. 

Of  course  !  .  .  .  Besides,  what  does  it  matter  ?  If 
that  were  all — but  there  !  it  won't  last  for  ever — I 
mean,  as  far  as  I'm  concerned.     I  .  .  . 

Harold. 
What  ? 

Hans, 

[Indifferently.]  Nothing;    nothing   of    importance. 
.   .   .  Only,  I  might  send  in  my  papers  any  day ;  who 
knows  ?  .   .   . 

Harold. 

Did  you — a — did  you  know  too  that  they'd  trans- 
ferred you  to  another  company,  Hans  ? 

Hans. 

[Startmg.]  Another  .  .  .  Company?  W — which 
Company  ? 

Harold. 
The  7th,  so  I  hear. 

Hans. 

[With  effort,  after  momentary  silence.]  The  7th? 
The  smartest  in  the  Regiment  ?  .  .  .  I  suppose  that'll 
mean  really  getting  into  the  collar  again  then  ? 

Peter. 

Rhode's  done  wonders  with  the  7th  since  he 
took  'em  over. 

Grohitzsch. 

[Rises.]  Don't  put  yourself  about,  Rudorfl".  Oddly 
enough,  I  see  hei-e  that  owing  to  Rhode  taking 
second  leave — he's  down  for  a  fortnight — I'm  to  be  in 
cliarge  of  the  7th  meantime,  from  to-morrow. 


28  LOVE'S  CARNIVAL 

[PTans  looks  Grobitzsch  steculihj  in  the  eyes, 
(tROBitzsch  returning  the  tacit  challenge 
with  a  slight  baleful  smile;  there  ifi  a  brief 
complete  silence. 

(iRORITZSCn. 

By  the  way^  though, — you  needn't  trouble  to  report 
yourself  to  me.     We'll  consider  it  done. 

[Hans  rises,  very  pale  and  collected,  and  bov^s 
to  Grobitzsch. 

[^N^ods  slightly  in  acknoioledgment  and  turns  to  go.^ 
Au  revoir,  everybody  !  \^Exit  Von  Grobitzsch. 

\There  is  a  general  constrained  jmuse  ;  Hans 
has  sat  down  again  and  lights  a  cigarette. 
Harold,  abruptly  7'ising,2}acesimpatiently 
about  the  room  and,  t(,p  to  nnndow. 

Doctor. 

[Rising. 'I  Lord!  I  must  be  making  a  move  too. 
Good-bye,  meantime,  my  dear  Rudorff.  It's  good  to 
see  you  back  ! 

[He  shakes  Hans'  handj  cordially  and  goes 
out  r/uicldy. 

Hans. 

[Flinging  his  arms  wide  tvith  a  sudden  passionately 
impidsive    gestnre.~\  (Soldiering !  !  !    Great   heavens ! 

...  a  glorious  trade  !     Who  wouldn't  envy  .  .  . 
one  ? 

Harold. 

[Comes  quickly  to  him  and  stands  by  him.^^  Rot ! 
.  .  .  Pull  yourself  together !  .  .  .  Don't  go  chuck- 
ing the  whole  game  for  an  absurd  trifle  like  that ! 


LOVE'S  CARNIVAL  29 

Hans. 

[Lookiiiy  vp  qv.ickly  and  attevijitiny  to  &mile.\  Dear 
old  Harold  !  .  .  .  Yes,  yes, — you're  right, — you're 
right  .  .  .  only — \Jiis  voice  breaks  momentarily,  hut 
he  instantly  controls  himself,  and  turns  ivith  forced 
gaiety  to  the  others.  He  jjoints  towards  the  silver  bovd.^ 
Let's  have  drinks ! 

MORITZ. 

Jove  !  [^l^eering  into  bowl.]  This  stuff's  gone  stale  ! 
It  wants  lousin' ! — Ring,  somebody  ! 

Peter. 
You're  next  the  bell,  Moritz  :  ring  it  yourself ! 

[MoRiTZ  rings  violently. 

A  n  Orderly  enters  in  scared,  precipitate  haste. 

Peter. 
More  champagne  !  \_Eo:it  Orderly. 

Paul. 

"  'Tis  drink  that  makes  the  world  go  round." 

Hans. 

[JiOasing  himself — ivith  a  tiredj  smile.]  Rather  I 
\^\Vhi7)isically.]  It's  the  curse  of  human  nature — look 
you — that  no  rose  blooms  without  a  thorn.  .  .  . 

Re-enter  Orderly,  unth  two  more  bottles  of  champ)ague, 
(ix.  tC'c.     He  deposits  tray  before  Peter. 

Hans. 

Now  then,  Moritz,  buck  up — and  mix  it ! 

Moritz. 
[Melodramatically.]  No,  no  further  desecration   of 
an  honest  vintage!   .  .   .  we'll  do  it  neat ! 

[y/e  goes  rouitd  Jilltug  glasses. 


30  LOVE'S  CARNIVAL 

Hans. 

[To  Peter  and  Paul — slightly  cotistrahied,  and  as 
if  retrospectively .'\  And — are   you   two   still  as  .  . 
intimate  as  ever  with  him  ? 

Both. 
[Quickly.^  With  whom  ? 

Hans. 
[Quietly.]  With  Grobitzsch — of  course. 

Peter. 

"  Intimate  "  ?  .  .  .  Why,  my  dear  boy,  ...  as  to 
"  intimate " — Good  heavens,  we've  never  been 
that ! 

Paul. 

[Hastily  corroborative.]  "  Intimacy's "  beside  the 
mark  altogether. 

Hans. 

Indeed  ^  .  .  .  Well,  any  way,  last  summer  when  I 
went  to  Erfurt  for  my  musketry  course,  you  seemed 
so  extraordinarily  thick — you  three — and  I  wondered 
why — exactly.     I  was  quite  surprised,  on  return,  to 

find 

Paul. 

[Interruptiny.]  Oh — er — well — just  then — it  so 
happened  we  were  arranging  leave,  and 

Hans. 

I  see  !  .  .  .  Only,  but  there  ...  I  tell  you  frankly, 

once  and  for  all,  I  loathe  this  Grobitzsch  creature  ;  he 

.  ,   .  sickens  me  !  [IFifA  a  sudden  violent  (/esticre  of 

disgust.]  And — and — to  think  that — that  .   .  .  Else 


LOVE'S  CARNIVAL  31 

— she,  of  all  others,  should  have  got  into  ,  his  hands ! 
My  God!  .  .  .  it's  horrible  !  [He  covers  his  face  loith 
his  hands  onomentarily  in  a  hind  of  involuntary 
shudder.]  That  was  the  worst  ...  it  still  is. 

Paul. 
[^Thoroughly  disconcerted.']  Foi'  God's  sake 


Peter. 

[Same  tone.]  Yes,  don't  get  hai"king  back  on  all 
that  now  !  The  whole  thing's  dead  and  done  with — 
months  ago  ! 

Hans. 

[Unheeding,  half  to  himself,  following  the  same 
train  of  thought.]  Yes  .  .  .  and  to  think  that  I — I, 
— fool  that  I  was, — believed  in  her, — and — and — 
imagined  her  ...  so  "  different  "  from  the  rest !  .  .  . 
1  wonder  .  .  .  now, — if  she  really  loved  him  ? 

Peter. 

"  Loved  "  him  (?  .  .  .  [Laughs. 

Harold. 

[Flings  away  his  cigar  and  coming  to  Hans,  lays  his 
hand  on  his  shoulder.]  Hans,  boy,  drop  it !  .  .  . 
Droj)  it !  .  .  .  What's  the  use  1  It  only  makes  you 
wretched. 

MORITZ. 

[With  climtisy  loell-meant  ailempi  at  jocularity,  de- 
claims.] 

"  Put  not  thy  trust  in  woman's  heart ! 
In  base  deceit  lies  all  her  art  !  " 

Prosit,  dear  old  Hans  !      Pi'osit  ! 


32  LOVE'S  CARNIVAL 

Hans. 

[Feverishly — by,t  controlled.]  "What  ?  —  Yes !   .   .  . 
yes,  you're  right !   .  .  .  [he  drinks.]  But,  little  Else  ! 
...  I  wonder  what's  become  of  her.     You  fellows 
must  knoio  ? 

Peter. 

Good  Lord !  .  .  .  how  should  we  !  Gone  to  the 
devil  probably. 

Paul. 

It's  no  concern  of  ours  !  .  .  . 

Harold. 

[Sfrenuonsli/.]  For  heaven's  sake,  let's  us  talk  of 
something  else.  Only  this  I  will  say.  .  .  .  The  girl 
impressed  me  just  as  she  did  Hans  here,  although  in 
all  I  never  saw  her  more  than  twice,  at  the  outside. 
But  I  thought  the  world  of  her  .  .  .  and  I'd  never 
have  believed  her  capable  of — of  what  she  did.  How- 
ever, the  thing's  done  and  over  !  We  all  know  she 
was  seen  leaving  (irobitzsch's  house  at  five  o'clock  in 
the  moi-ning — so,  tliere  it  ends — and  nothing's  gained 
by  further  discussion  of  it !   .   .  . 

MURITZ. 

Yes,  by  Jove  !  that's  just  what  I  feel  .  .  . 

Paul. 

Well,  well.  By  tlie  way,  Hans,  have  you  let  the 
good  folk  at  home  know  of  your  arrival  ? 

Hans. 

[  With  hurried  recollection.]  No !  no! — 1  haven't.  But. 
I  will.    Forgive  my  harping  on  the  old  string  like  this 


LOVE'S  CARNIVAL  •  33 

.  .  .  Stupid  of  me,  .  .  ,  only  somehow,  Grobitzsch 
— But  it  does  seem  a  queer  irony  of  fate,  doesn't  it, 
my  being  suddenly  stufied  into  his  Company  !  .  , . . 
Anybody  got  a  postcard  handy  ?  .   .   , 

JIORITZ. 

Rather !     Drewes  !  one   of  our   picture   postcards. 
Latest  sensation — with  lovely  views  of  barracks  on 


em ! 

[Drewes,  who  has  been  rearranging  side- 
hoard,  d-c,  brings  a  postcard  to  Hans  on 
a  salver. 

Hans. 

[Taking  it.]  So  your  name's  Drewes,  too,  is  it? 
Are  you  any  relation  to  my  old  servant,  Wilhelm  ? 

Drewes. 
[At  attention.]  Yes,  sir.     He  was  my  brother. 

Hans. 
Was? 

Drewes. 
He's  dead,  sir. 

Hans. 
Deadi  .  .  . 

Harold. 

Didn't  you  know  ?  Yes, — poor  devil ;  he  went 
down  with  typhoid — during  last  manoeuvres.  ...  It 
was  a  hopeless  case.  [Exit  Drewes. 

Hans. 

Ah  !  He  was  a  good  servant,  ...  if  ever  there 
was  one.     So,  he's  gone  .  .   .  too.     Strange  ! 

c, 


34  LOVE'S  CARNIVAL 

Paul. 

\^Hnrriedly,  pushing  postcard  toivards  him.^  Get  to 
your  correspondence,  man,  or  you'll  miss  the  evening 
post. 

[Hans  takes  out  a  pencil  and  begins  writing 
the  address. 

Peter. 

\^Looking  over  his  shoulder.^  Wha-at  ?     "  Fraulein 

Katharine '" ? 

Haks. 

\^Looking  rip  vnth  a  smile,  trying  to  speak  casually.^ 
Yes,  why  not  ?  [7/e  raps  on  the  table  ;  rises. 

MORITZ. 

By  .  .  .  Jupiter  ! 

[//e  signs  to  the  remaining  Orderly  to  leave 
the  room. 

Paul. 
Now  for  it ! 

MORITZ. 

He's  better ! 

Haxs. 

My  dear  fellows — if  I  were  a  born  orator  like  Moritz 
here  .  .  . 

Moritz. 
Get  out,  Hans ! 

Hans. 

However,  no  matter  !  [//e  pauses  'momentarily ?[ 
So  much  seems  to  have  happened  in  the  last  six 
months  .  .  .  and,  boys — there  were  days,  many  of 
thein,  hideous  days — when  I  simply  felt  it  was  all 
over — and  that  I'd  never  look  upon  the  face  of  one  of 


LOVE'S  CARNIVAL  35 

you  again.  .  .  .  [//e  shiuldei's  involuntarily .~\  It  was 
as  if  a  knife — a  weird,  three-edged  dagger  .  .  .  [//e 
breaks  off  and  presses  his  hands  feverishly  to  his  eyes 
a  moment ;  then  loith  a  broken  laugh  continues?\^  But 
there  !  .  .  .  it's  inexplicable,  of  course  .  .  .  but  1 
wouldn't  wish  my  worst  enemy  to  have  known  such  a 
hell  as  I  have  known !  .  .  .  But  now,  now  .  .  .  it's 
over  !  .  .  .  It's  been  a  tight,  a  bitter,  desperate  fight, 
— but,  thank  Heaven,  I've  not  gone  under  .  .  .  and 
I'm//-ee  / 

Peter  and  Paul. 
Bravo ! 

Hans. 

.  .   .  And   now  ...  to  be  back  again  ...  to  be 
back  again  !  .   .   .  To  feel  I  still  belong  to  you  ! 


Bravo ! 


MORITZ. 


Hans. 


And  you  ?  You  to  me  ?  Why ! — even  if  I'd 
doubted  it — ^iny  unworthy  fears  must  all  have  been 
dispelled  by  the  heartfelt,  priceless  welcome  you  have 
given  me  to-day!  I  can  only  thank  you — each — and 
all — -with  my  whole  heart !  And  now — deservedly  or 
undeservedly — I  inherit  the  glorious  calling  of  my 
father — and  my  grandfather  before  him  !  I'm  a 
soldier — as  they  were, — and  my  sole  pride  and  happi- 
ness lies  in  this — that  I  still  belong  to  the  same 
Regiment, — the  dear  old  Corps  that  both  in  turn 
commanded.  May  I  prove  worthy  of  it,  of  its 
trailitions — \jproadly^  and  theirs  ! — [//e  takes  a  full 
glass.]  The  Ilegiment ! !  Iloch  !  Hoch  ! !  Hoch  !  ! ! 
.  .  .  Hurrah  !  !  ! 


36  LOVE'S  CARNIVAL 

[All  rise,  seize  thew  glasses  and  join  clamor- 
ously in  the  toast. 

Peter. 

[Clapping  Hans  on  the  hack.'\  Bravo,  Cousin  !  That's 
the  mood  I  like !  .  .  .  Everything'!!  be  as  right  as 
rain  now — you'!!  see  ! 

MoniTZ. 

Dear  o!d  boy  !  .  .  .  And  you  ca!l  me  eloquent ! !  .  .  . 

[All  laugh. 
Hans. 

[Catching  something  of  the  surrounding  injections 
gaiety.^  Why — I  speals  as  the  nightingale  sings — 
[loith  mock  sentiment]  "  out  of  the  fulness  of  my 
heart ! "  [Latighitig.]  Harold,  you  old  sinner — don't 
look  so  infernally  glum !  .  .  .  Fill  up  and  drink  to 
"  The  Future  "!!...  I'm  not  through — yet.  .  .  . 
I've  still  something  on  my  chest ! 

Peter. 
Still  ?     Good  Lord  ! 

MORITZ. 

More  speeches  ...?... 

Hans. 

Not  exactly.  Say  rather,  a  final  "  confidential 
communication  ",   .   .   .  strictly  between  ourselves ! 

Peter. 
Hear,  hear !   .  .  . 

Hans. 

I  was  about  to  remark  previously, — only  then  I  felt 
gene  by  the  presence  of — of  senior  officers, —  .  .  .  but 


LOVE'S  CARNIVAL  37 

now — [glanciny  round] — as  the  coast's  clear —  .  .  . 
Well,  I've  a  confession  to  make  !  Sit  tight,  boys  ! — 
don't  faint  !  I,  Hans  Rudovfi', — engaged  myself  last 
last  week, — as  ever  was, — to  a  charming  young  lady 
at  Cologne  ! — engaged  myself — I  tell  you —  .  .  .  and 
row  I  beg  you — one  and  all — drink  to  ray  fiancee  ! — 
her  health, — and  happiness  !  [^Ile  Jills  his  glass. '\  To 
Fraulein  Kiithie  Schmitz  !  Life, — luckj — and  happi- 
ness !  [//e  drains  his  ylass. 

[All,  in  chorus,  with  acclamation,  ci-oiodiny 
round  him,  "  By  Jore  !  "  "  Congratula- 
tions, old  hoy!"  ^' You  lucky  devil!" 
"  /  hear  shes  charming  '  "  <l-c.  <i-c.  d'c. 

Paul. 
[As  the  clamour  subsides.]  I  kneio  it ! 

Hans. 

[Turning  quickly  to  him.]  How  ? 

Peter. 

She's  .   .  .  she's  the  only  child  of  old  Schmitz,  the 
banker,  isn't  she  ?  .  .  . 

Hans. 
Yes.  ...  I  hope  you've  no  objection  ? 

Pall. 
[To  Peter.]  Objection? — likely  ! — whywe knew. 

Peteu. 
Shut  up,  you  fool  ! 

MORITZ. 

Infernal  luck,  /  call  it  ! 


38  LOVE'S  CARNIVAL 

Peter. 

[Shoiiting.]  Champagne  !— Champagne  !  !     Orderly, 
more  cliampagne  !  .   .  . 

Orderly. 
[Hushing  on.]  .  .   .  Sir?  ,   .   . 

Peter. 
Pommery, — two  bottles  1 

Paul. 


Three/ 


Hans. 


[Orderly  hurries  out. 


[Signing  to  them  to  be  silent.]  One  moment ! 
Stop  !  You  undersstand,  all  of  you — dont  you,  that 
the  thing's  still  a  profound  secret  I  .  .  .  I've  had  no 
chance  of  speaking  to  the  Colonel  yet,^ — but  I  mean 
to,  to-morrow  morning.  Then  I  shall  tell  my  people, 
and  make  the  engagement  public.  And, — and — so — 
on  Shrove  Tuesday  you'll  all  meet  her  at  the  Regi- 
mental Ball, — I  hope  ! 

Peter. 

Capital !  Shrove  Tuesday  I !  ...  Hurrah  !  .  .  . 
Bravo ! 

All. 

Shrove  Tuesday !  .  .  .  Shi'ove  Tuesday ! !  Rather! 
Bravo  ! — Good  luck,  old  boy,  i^'c.  kc. 

[They  all  touch  glasses  and  drink  to  Hans. 
Suddenly,  unthout,  in  Barrack  Yard,  the 
Band  strikes  up  a  lively  March.] 


LOVE'S  CARNIVAL  39 

Peter. 

Hello !  .  .  .  What's  up  now  ? 

[//e  a'osses  quickhj  to  the  window. 

Hans. 

[^Excitedly J\  What  ?  .  .  .  Open  the  windows — 
somebody  ! !     Wider  !  .  .  .  both  of  'em  ! — So !  ! 

[i/e  flings  open  one  vnndoio,  leaning  far  out, 
ivhile  Peter  throws  up  the  other  one  ;  all 
the  rest  close  in  behind  them.  The  music 
meantim,e  continues,  vibrant  and  crescendo, 
as  a  company  of  soldiers  inarches 
smartly  off.  The  officer  in  comviand 
shouts,  suddenly  and  stridently:  ^^  Keep 
step  there  /  .    .  .   Keep  step  !  " 

Hans. 

^Suddenly    loithdrawing  from  windoio,    turns    to 

Harold, — u)ho  is  directly  behind  him, — with  a  deep 
hreath.'\   .    .   . 

Harold. 

[Very  strenuously  and  seriously,  laying  his  hands  on 
Hans'  shoidders.'\  But — Hans — d'you  understand  ? 
—''Keep  step!''   .  .  . 

Hans. 

\IjOoking  into  Harold's  eyes,  lays  his  hands  upon 
the  strong  hands  gripping  him.^^  I  understand,  Harold! 
I  understand  ! 


CURTAIN. 


THE    SECOND   ACT 


A    WEEK    LATER 


Scene. — Rudorff'*^  room  in  barracks.  It  is  a  rather 
long  roo)/i,  ituth  one  large  window  back  R.  J\'. 
(back)  a  piano,  open,  with  music  on  it.  In  front 
of  piano  a  simply  mounted  ivriting  table.  L. 
{back)  a  door  to  bed-room ;  above  the  door  a 
ivindow,  swinging  open  horizontally.  L.  \down'\ 
another  door  into  a  small,  dark  ante-room,  leading 
to  passage.  Between  these  doors  a  plain  deal 
wardrobe.  Up  L.  in  corner  a  metal  stove.  Back 
C.  a  large,  loell-ioorn,  leather-covered  sofa;  in 
front  of  same  two  ordinary  chairs,  and  a  small 
table  7oith  a  few  military  handbooks,  dx.,  upoti  it. 
The  curtains  are  drawn :  they  are  of  dark  red 
''^  Art  "  serge  and  give  the  only  real  note  of  colour 
in  the  scene.  It  is  10.30  p.7n.,  and  the  room  is  in 
darkness  save  foo'  a  solitary  candle  on  one  of  the 
tables  ;  a  small  alarum  clock  stands  by  it,  and  an 
Officer  s  cloak,  cap,  and  sxjoord-belt  are  lying  on 
one  of  the  chairs. 

The  Curtain  rises  upon  Heinrich  Nettelbusch 
asleep  on  sofa,  s7ioring  loudly.  There  is  a  brief 
2)ause,  then  the  dow  is  fung  open,  and  Hans 
enters  harriedly. 


LOVE'S  CARNIVAL  41 

Hans. 

[Looking  round,  discoveriny  Heixrich.]  Heinrich  ! 
.   .   .  Heinrich  !  ! 

Heinrich. 

\\Vaking  with  a  violent  start,  springs  to  his  feet 
dazedly. ]  Sir  !  !   .  .   . 

Hans. 

What's  this  1  I've  had  the  whole  place  ransacked 
for  you — canteen  included.  What  the  devil  d'you 
mean  by  it  ?  .  .  .  IVIy  sofa — too  !  Are  you  mad  ? 
Light  the  lamp  ! 

[Heinrich  hurriedly  and  unsteadily  goes  up 
to  hack  and.  lights  lamp. 

Hans. 

I'm  expecting  my  future  father-in-law  here  directly. 

[Heinrich  gives  a  scared  start,   and  blows 
out  the  candle. 

Light  that  again,  fool, —  and  the  piano  candles 
too  .  .  .  [Looking  round.^  What  a  cursed  untidy 
hole  !  [^Snatches  cloak,  dx.,  from  chair  and  flings  them 
into  the  wardrohe.]  And  this  too, — this  alarum  thing, 
— put  ib  out  of  the  way — anywhere. 

[Heinrich    stumbles    about,    execu,ting    all 
orders  in  befuddled  haste. 

So  !  .  .  .  (lood  Lord!  and  I'm  clean  forgetting 
the  mo.st  important  thing  !  [//e  goes  quickly  to  the 
v;indow  and  takes  an  easel  front,  behind  cicrtains, 
placing  it  in  front  of  ^jia?io.]  The  picture !  .  .  . 
Get  the  picture ! 


42  LOVE'S  CARNIVAL 

Heinrich. 
[Foyijili/.]  W — what  picshur, — air?  .  .   . 

Hans. 

Why,  the  one  that  came  this  morning,  idiot, — of 
course  !    What  have  you  done  with  it  ?  .   .   . 

Heinrich. 

Ach  !  .  .  .  y — yes — to  be  sure  ! 

[He  dives  up  to  background,  and  2y>'oduces  a 
fiat  jmckage  in  many  wrappings  of  paper. 

Hans. 

\Seizing  if.]  Give  it  here!  [//e  rends  the  parcel  open 
hnrriedhj,  scattering  the  paper  broadcast.^  And  clear 
up  this  confounded  litter  !     Look  sharp  ! 

,     [Heinrich    laboriously    collects    it.      Hans 
meantime  carefidly  jjldces  the  picture  on 
the    easel,    goes    back    a  few  steps   con- 
sidering it,  then  moves  it    into   a  better 
jjosition  ;  then  goes  up  to  stove. 
Out — of    course  !  !   .  .   .   Heinrich,    here — light     this 
instantly.  [Shivering.^    The   cold  in   this   room's   too 
damnable  !   .  .   .  And   when  you've  got  a  real  good 
fire  on, — go  to  the  Mess  and  fetch  a  couple  of  dozen 
bottles  of  beer.  .   .   .  Understand  ?  .  .  . 

Heinrich. 
Yes, — si)-. 

Hans. 

Halt !     Glasses  ?  .  .  .  How  many  are  there  ? 

Heinrich. 

One, — sir. 


LOVE'S  CARNIVAL  43 

Hans. 

Gad!  07ie  .  .  .!  Oh,  then  you  must  get  hold  of  the 
caterer  and  ask  him  to  lend  me  a  dozen,  that's  all. 
.   .  .  And, — look  alive,  man  ! !     I'll  be  hack  directly. 

[//e  hurries  out  again, 

Heixrich. 

[With  a  portentous  yaivn  and  stretch,  potters  up  to 
stove  and  opens  it.\  Look  alive ! — always  the  same 
story, — shoved  'ere,  driven  there.  .   .   . 

[Josef  Becker's  Jiead  appears  in  doorway. 

Josef. 
'Ello  !     Why— Ptudorft— whafs  up  ? 

Heinrich. 

Bloomin'  stove  out, — o'  course  !  .  .  ,  Glad  to  see 
you — Glahn  !  .  .  .  Hay,  have  you  got  a  bit  o'  lire 
still  goin'  in  yours  ? 

Josef. 

You  bet !  We're  up  all  night  now, — readin' ; — 
sweatin'  for  our  next  exam. 

Heinrich. 

Well,  bring  us  a  shovelful  along  then,  will  you? 
I'm  off  for  beer  an'  glasses.  .  .  .  Pa-in-law  as  is  to 
he's  goin'  to  give  us  a  look  in  directly.  .   .  . 

Josef. 

Lord  !  .  .  .  Well, — as  it's  obligin'  yov,  Rudorff,  I 
don't  mind. 

Heinrich. 

Quick  as  you  can,  then. 


44  LOVE'S  CARNIVAL 

Josef. 

Kighto  !  .  .  .  I'm  ofi^ ! 

[He  hurries  out.  Heinrich  yawns  and  shakes 
himself,  then  sinks  heavily  on  to  sofa 
again  in  an  inert  heaj). 

Josef  re-enters  ivith  a  shovelful  of  ylowing  coal, 
which  he  puts  into  stove. 

Josef. 
Well, — you're  in  a  bloomin"  'any,  anyway  ! 

Heinrich. 

Well,  if  yoiid  been  kicked  up  outer  your  beauty 
sleep  .  .   . 

Josef. 

[Busy  with  stove.]  8ay,  Rudorti",  what  price  the  pa- 
in-law ?     What  sort  ?   .   .  . 

Heixricu. 

Whaat  ?  [Yai07is.]  .   .    .    Gawd    knows! — same    as 
the  resht  of  'em, — I  s'ppose  .   .   . 

[There  is  a  sudden  sound  of  approaching 
music  in  the  distance. 

[Starting  violently.]  Good  Lord  ! — here  they  are ! 

[He  goes  out  quickly. 

[The  3lusic  {the  '■'■  Radetzky  March")  ap- 
p'oaches  sloioly.  Josef  hurries  across  to 
door  and  stands  rigidly  at  attention, 
avmiting  the  arrival  of  the  Officers. 

Peter  Von  Hamuerc  enters  first  carrying  the  big 
drum,  follovied  by  Paul  ivith  cymbals.  Then 
several  others.     They  place   themselves  in  a  line. 


LOVE'S  CARNIVAL  45 

Hans  enters  iinmediately  after,  arm  in  arm  )rith 
August  Schmitz,  a  stout,  genial,  grey-haired 
man  of  sixty.  They  stand  C,  whilst  Benno, 
Von  Marschall,  Moritz,  Harold,  Glahn,  and 
one  or  two  more  enter  behind  them  in  single  file, 
all  carrying  torches  decorated  loith  gay  multi- 
coloured ribbons.  Von  Marschall,  after  marking 
time  a  moment  till  some  order  is  established, 
solemnly  marches  in  time  to  music  j)(^^i  Hans 
and  ScHMiTZ,  saluting  them  with  his  torch; 
the  others  all  follow  suit  immediately,  with  same 
business. 

Hans. 

[Signing    for   the   music    to   cease.'\    Halt !     Sound 
"  the  Officers'  Call !  " 

[2'hey  surround  Hans  and  Schmitz  ivith  a 
general  salute  of  raised  torches. 

Gentlemen!  Gentlemen!  [General  silence.'\  .  .  . 
Gentlemen — I'm  proud  to  express  to  you  to-night, 
— on  behalf  of  my  most  honoured  father-in-law  elect, 
— his  complete  satisfaction  with  all  he's  witnessed 
and  experienced  to-day  !  .  .  .  Thanks  moreover  to 
Lieutenant  Von  Marschall  and  his  admirable  arrange- 
ments, lies  seen  everything, — and  he  assures  me  the 
day  has  proved  for  him  as  instructive  as  enjoy- 
able.  .   .   . 

Heinricii  re-enters,  his  basket  laden  toith  beer  bottles 
and  glasses  ;  he  is  greeted  rvith  cheers  arid  laughter, 
and  instantly  surrounded. 

Gentlemen  ! !  .  .  .  Gentlemen  ! !  .  .  .  He  thoroughly 
appreciates  the  excellence  of  our  Mess ! — in  fact 
[turning  to    ScHMiTZ,    half -chaffing ,   half-affectiomi,te\ 


46  LOVE'S  CARNIVAL 

I    may  say   that  all   "expectations'*  have  been   ful- 
filled ? 

[HciiMiTZ  nods  in  emphatic  corroboration. 

.  .  .   For  the  rest,   gentlemen, — I  thank  you,  grate- 
fully, with  all  my  heart !  .   .   . 

^All  salute,  and  then  simultaneously  raid  the 
table  where  the  beer  stands.  All  talk, 
laugh  and  drink,  unth  the  exception  of 
Peter  and  Paul,  loho  remain  vnth  Hans 
and  ScHMiTZ. 

Benno !        I    say !        Beer  ! !     ...     bring    us   some 
beer !!!... 

Klewitz. 

Apologies,  old  boy  !  .  .  .  Herr  Schmitz,  youi- 
health  !  .  .  .  \IIands  glasses  to  Hans  and  Schmitz.] 
As  a  good  old  college  pal  of  mine  used  sagely  to 
remark — the  only  civilians  with  whom  a  soldier  may 
safely  foregather  in  perfect  intimacy — are — [icith  a 
mock  salute]  fathers-in-law  prospective  .  .  .  and  the 
dear  girls — pardon  ! — ladies, — ahem  ! — ladies  I 

Schmitz. 

[Laughs  and  drinks.]  Bravo,  Herr  Yon  Klewitz  ! 
— the  Carnival  spirit's  abroad — and  has  touched  us 
all  in  the  blood  a  bit,  eh  ? 

Klewitz. 
I  believe  you,  sir  !     It's  in  the  air  !  !   .   .  . 

Hans. 
But,  my  dear  Herr  Schmitz,  please  do  sit  down,- — 
won't  you  ? 


LOVE'S  CARNIVAL  47 

SOTIMITZ. 

[Slightl}/  hesitating.]  Thanks, — but  if  you'll  bear 
with  ine  a  minute, — I'd  like  to  say  two  words  to 
you  all,  first  ? 

Hans. 

Delighted  ! !     Sound  "Attention,"  will  you  ? 

[It  is  sounded. 

.   .  .  Gentlemen  ! — one  moment ? 

SCHMITZ, 

[Earnestly,  cordially  and,  diffidently.]  My  dear 
Lieutenants,  my  most  kind  and  honoured  hosts, — 
I,  alas  !  know  little  or  nothing  of  a  soldier's  life, — 
never  having  served  myself,  but  such  an  open-hearted 
courteous  welcome  as  you've  accorded  me  to-day  has 
deeply  gratified  me, — -and  entirely  won  my  heart.  I 
thank  you  all  sincerely,  and  am  proud  to  think  of  my 
prospective  son-in-law,  my  dear  Hans  here,  as  one  of 
you  !  .  .  .  Rest  assured  I  shall  never  forget  this  day, 
and  the  charming  hospitality  you've  shown  me  !  And 
whenever  you  may  chance  to  find  yourselves  in 
Cologne, — any  one  of  you, — I  trust  you'll  remember 
me,  and  not  pass  my  door  without  looking  me  up ! 

[Subdued  ajipUmse. 

[He  continues  with  increasing  tvarmth.]  Aye — 
indeed !  and  as  long  as  our  Army  can  boast  such 
oflicers, — as  smart,  as  keen^  as  chivalrous, — patriots 
and  soldiers, — to  the  core — there's  little  fear  for  the 
future  of  our  Country.  .   .   .  [Lorid  applause. 

.  .  .  and  in  this  connection — will  you  allow  a 
civilian, — a  mere  man  of  business,  to  propose  a  toast? 
...  To  our  glorious  Army  !   .  .   .  May  it  ever  prosper 


48  LOVE'S  CARNIVAL 

in  the  future, — as  to- day  !  !  !     Hoch  !     Hoch  ! !   .   .   . 
Hoch  !  !  ! 

\_AU  cheer, — and  join  enthusiastically  in 
the  three-fold  "  Hoch  !  "  Heinrich  filh 
glasses. 

Hans. 

My  dear  father-in-law, — you — you  positively  put 
us  to  the  blush  !  What  must  you  think  of  all  our 
tomfoolery — and  rot  ? 

SCHMITZ. 

My  dear  boy, — why,  it's  delightful !  .  .  .  By  the 
way,  though — what's  the  real  time  ? 

Hans. 

[Looking  at  watch.]  Oh,  quite  early.  No  eai'thly 
hurry. 

SCHMITZ. 

But  I  must  be  getting  back  to  my  hotel.  .  .  .  And 
then,  I'd  like  just  two  words  with  i/ou,  my  boy,  before 
I  go  :  but  you've  your  rounds  at  twelve,  eh  ? 

Yon  Marschall. 
Must  you  really  return  to-night,  Herr  Schmitz  ? 

SCHMITZ. 

Yes,  I'm  sorry  to  say.  "We  business  men  have  our 
ties  and  duties  too, — worse  luck! 

Yon  Marschall. 

Well  then — we  must  give  you  a  proper  "  envoi," 
Herr  Schmitz  ;  ...  a  correct  send-ofi' ! !  .  .  .  Anyway, 
we'll  have  the  pleasure  of  seeing  you  again  soon — 
shan't  we  ?     On  Shrove  Tuesday  ? 


LOVE'S  CARNIVAL  49 

[Peter  hastily  invests  Klewitz  icith  the 
drum,  ivhile  Paul  thrusts  the  cymbals 
upon  Glahn. 

SCHMITZ. 

8hrove  Tuesday  ?  Ah !  yes — of  coui-se  !  .  .  .  My 
little  Kiithie  and  her  mother  are  bound  to  be  at  the 
ball, — and  I  too,  if  I  can  get  away. 

Haxs. 

[Eayerli/.]  Oh,  but  you  viust !  My  dear  Herr 
Schmitz — such  an  important  occasion  !  .  .  .  You 
must  come  !  And  then  [lawjhiny^ — you'll  really  see 
us  as  we  are  ! 

SCIIMITZ. 

Well,  well  .  .  .  I'll  do  my  best.  [Shaking  hamds 
ivith  Von  Marscuall.]  Good-bye, — or  rather,  "  Au 
revoir,"  and  many  thanks 

Von  Marschall. 

*'  Au  revoir  "  then,  Herr  Schmitz  !  Play  up  the 
band  !     Quick  march  ! 

[All  ivho  have  not  already  shaken  hands  loith 
Schmitz  salute,  and  Jile  oat  behind  the 
music;  Heinrich  followiny  with  basket. 
Peter  and  Paul  remain. 

Hans. 

[Shouting  after  the)n.]  Harold!  .  .  .  Moritz !  .  .  . 
I  say  !  .  .  .  you're  coming  back,  aren't  you  ^  I  )uu't 
foi-get  I've  got  my  rounds  .  .  .   ! 

Harold  and  Moritz. 
All  riiiht !     All  right ! 


50  LOVE'S  CARNIVAL 

[The   rmisic    gradually  dies    away    in    the 
distance. 

Peter. 

[  To  ScHMiTZ.]  Well,  Herr  Schmitz,  now  you've 
made  acquaintance  ^vith  our  modest  existence,  and 
have  experienced  some  of  its  simple  charms  !  .  .  .  You 
see  we  try  to  keep  up  our  spirits,  and  lead  a  wholesome 
peaceful  life 

SCHMITZ. 

[Laughing.^  Well,  as  for  the  peace 

Peter. 

Sometimes  we're  a  trifle  noisy,  I  admit  .  .  .  but, 
what  d'you  think  of  Hans  ?  Isn't  he  fit  ? — a  positive 
transformation !  .  .  .  I'm  sure  you're  as  pleased  as 
we  are,  to  see  him  taking  up  the  old  life  again,  con 
amore  ? 

SCHMITZ. 

Indeed  1  am  !  .  .  .  And  unless  I'm  much  mistaken, 
it's  mainly  thanks  to  you,  Herr  Von  Ramberg  ?  You 
— and  youi'  brother  have  been  vqsX  friends  to  him, — I 

know 

Peter. 

[Ilvrriedly.]  Oh — that's  nothing  to  do  with  it, — I 
assure  you  !  .  .  .  Hans  is  a  born  soldier, — and  a  good 
soldier  too, — and  noAv  he's  back  in  his  true  element. 
[Raising  his  voice,  to  Hans.]  Aren't  you, — old  boy  i 

Hans. 

[Absently,  lookhig  np  from  a  letter  he  has  just  opened.] 
I,  .   .   .  what  i 


LOVE'S  CARNIVAL  51 


Peter. 


I  was  just  saying,— you're  as  completely  in  your 
element  in  barracks  as  a  buck  rat  in  a  barn  ? 

Hans. 

[With  a  slight  Imigh.']  Rather!  ...  Of  course  I 
am  !  Only  [indicating  room]  .  .  .  the  barn  might  be 
more  spacious. 

SCHMITZ. 

[Taking  him  '■'■  au  jned  de  la  lettre."]  Ah,  my  dear 
boy,  but  you  won't  be  loughing  it  in  bachelor  dis- 
comfort much  longer.  Later  on  you'll  have  nothing 
to  complain  of. 

Hans. 

[^'miling.]  Oh- — I  wasn't  in  earnest !   .   ,  . 

Peter. 

Well  now, — Herr  Hchmitz,  you  and  Hans  want  a 
word — together,  in  peace,  I  know, — so  we'll  remove 
ourselves !  Come  on,  Paul !  .  .  .  Good  night, — and 
au  revoir  at  the  Regimental  Ball  .  .  .  next  Tuesday? 

bCHMITZ. 

Good-bye,  Herr  Von  Ramberg,  and  once  more  heart- 
felt thanks — [meaningly] — for  everything  I  .  .  . 

Petek. 

You'll  give  our  best  respects  to  your  family,  won't 
you  ;  and  if  you  should  come  across  the  grandmother, 
—my  love  to  her. 

Paul. 

And  mine !     Good-bye,  Herr  Schmitz  ! 


52  LOVE'S  CARNIVAL 

[The    brothers     shake    hands    vxirmhj    ivith 

SCHMITZ. 

SCHMITZ. 

Good-bye.  [Paul  goes  met. 

Peter. 

[2\i7-ns  at  door,  ivaves  to  Hans  and  calls  back.]  I'll 
look  in  again.  [Exit. 

Hans. 
[Shouts  after  him,]  All  right !     Do  ! 

[He  is  at  piano,  absently  lookiny  throwjh  some 
sheets  of  manuscript  music. 

SCHMITZ. 

[Genialljj.]  Well,  now,  my  dear  Hans  .  .  .  I'll  sit 
down  if  I  may, — here,  on  your  nice  big  sofa.  [Unsus- 
pecting its  amazing  hardness,  he  sinks  douju  upon  it.] 
Oh! — h!  .  .   .  [Rises  with  rueful 2>recipitation. 

Hans. 

[Quickly  to  him,  laxtghing,  hut  apologetic]  My  dear 
father-in-law.  .  .  .  Yes, — it  zs  a  revelation,  isn't  it? 
A  tine  old  genuine  ciusted  specimen  of  Clovernment 
upholstery.  Look  hei-e, — this  is  really  too  uncomfort- 
able for  you  ?  .  .  .  Shall  we  go  back  to  the  Hotel  ? — 
This  dog  kennel  isn't  fit 

SCIIMITZ. 

[Imperturbahly  good-humoured,  seating  himself] 
Nonsense  !  It's  charming,  and  I'm  peifectly  content ! 
Why — I  can  go  to  hotels  any  day, — but  this  is  the 
first  time  in  my  life  that  I've  been  entertained  in  an 


LOVE'S  CARNIVAL  53 

officer's  room  in  barracks.  And  I  find  it  most 
interesting ! 

Hans. 
Do  you  ?  .  .  . 

SCHMITZ. 

Anyway,  Hans,  let's  have  a  few  minutes'  chat. 

[Hans  throws  himself  wearily  into  a  chair. 

[^Producing  a  leather  cigar-case,  and  offering  it.'\  .  .  . 
But  first  of  all,  have  one  of  these,  won't  you  ?  They're 
the  same  Upmanns  you  liked  the  other  day 

Hans. 

(^h,  thanks. 

SCHMITZ, 

I'll  send  you  a  couple  of  boxes  from  Cologne, — soon 
as  I  get  back. 

[They  both  light  and  begin  smoking. 

[Sudde7ily.]  By  the  way,  where  d'you  sleep  ? 

Hans. 

Well,  my  night  quarters  ai'en't  palatial,  somewhat 
primitive  in  fact.  This  is  my  bedroom.  [He  rises  and 
goes  to  bedroom  door,  opening  it.^  It's  a  stuffy  little 
hole — and  as  dark  as  a  vault ;  in  fact  the  only  light 
and  air  it  gets  at  all,  comes  from  this  window.  ...  I 
keep  it  open  day  and  night — of  course.  [He  shuts  door 
again  and  corning  dotvn  re-seats  himself^  .  .  .  but 
after  all — [xoith  a  half-triste  langh^ — after  all  .  .  .  as 
you've  just  said — it  isn't  as  if  I  had  to  spend  my  life 
here —  .  .  . 

SCUMITZ. 

Certainly  not.  [Meditatively.]  It's  a  queer  world — 


54  ■  LOVE'S  CARNIVAL 

.  .  .  and,  .  .  .  but —  [fiuddenh/  checks  himself]  .  .  . 
tell  me  now — those  cousins  of  yours,  the  Von  Ram- 
bergs —  .  .  .  fine  fellows,  eh  ? — the  real  right  sort- — 
/  should  say  ? 

Hans. 

[Apatheticalli/.]  Oh — yes. 

SCHMITZ. 

Your  grandmother, — what  a  wonder  she  is, —  .  .  . 
your  grandmother  simply  raves  about  'em 

Hans. 

I  know  :  .  .  .  they  ^they've  always  managed  to  do 
the  right  thing— somehow  ?  Even  in  their  nursery 
days  they  were  always  patterns  of  perfection.  [He 
laughs.]  But, — and  do  forgive  my  asking — ,  .  .  ,  why 
did  you  thank  ihem  so  particularly — when  you  said 
good-bye  ?  .   ,  . 

SCHMITZ. 

[Slightly  confiised.]  I  ?— Oh,— I— well  ...  I  felt 
somehow  that  you'd  been  their  protege — in  a  way,  so 

long,  and 

Hans. 

[Quickl//.]   Their  prot6g6  ? — How — ? 

SCHMITZ. 

Well,  well, — they're  your  relations — and 

Hans. 

Certainly ;  but  as  for  my  being  their  protdge,  I— I 
don't  quite  follow  you. 

[There  is  a  brief  jiatise  ;  Schmitz  uncomfort- 
ably conscious  of  having  said  the  wrong 
thing. 


LOVE'S  CARNIVAL  55 

SCHMITZ. 

[BreakiiKj  tlw  silence.']  I  must  say,  Hans,  KUthie's 
portrait  looks  uncommon  well  there — eh  ? 

Hans. 

Doesn't  it?  .  .  .  Only,  frightfully  out  of  keeping 
with  its  surroundings.   .   .   . 

SCHMITZ. 

Out  of  keeping  ? — why  ? 

Hans. 

I  don't  know,  .  .  .  but  [loith  a  constrained  laicgh] 
.  .  .  it  does  seem  incongruous — somehow, — doesn't  it? 

SCHMITZ. 

Perhaps, — but  .  .  .  [//e  smokes  thojuihtfuUy  for  a 
jnoment  in  silence,  then  suddenly.]  Look  here,  Hans, — 
there's  just  one  thing  I  want  to  get  straight  between 
us  .  .  .  I — I  loathe  mentioning  the  matter,  but — 
your  grandmother  made  me  promise —  .  .  .  She- 
she  hinted  something  about  a  girl  that  you — that — 
well.  ...  —  ...  Good  Lord  !  we've  all  been  young 
once, — more  or  less  ;  .  .  .  and  every  man  that's  worth 
his  salt  is  bound  to  have  lived, — ^one  time  or  another, 
— and  sown  a  peck  or  two  o'  wild  oats,  here  and 
there  !  .  .  .  [//e  pauses  and  looks  at  Hans,  w/to  leans 
hack  iinpassiveli/ smoking,  his  eyes  on  the  ceiling.]  .  .  . 
And  so  [resumiiig  with  effort] — but  for  heaven's  sake 
don't  think  I'm  setting  up  to  preach  to  you— and  sit 
in  judgment  ...  —  ...  —  God  forbid!  ...  — 
...  all  I  do  ask  is  this  ...  Is  it  all  over  noio  ?  .  .  . 
entirely  over?  You  know  what  I  mean — ?  .  .  .  Can 
you  give  me  your  word — on  this  ? 


56  LOVE'S  CARNIVAL 

HaN8. 

[With  averted  face. ^  Yes.  Everything's  over,  every- 
thing.—  ...   I  swear  it. 

SCHMITZ. 

[With  a  long  sigh  of  relief. '\  Thank  Heaven  !  !  .  .  . 
Well  then, — that's  done  with  and  dismissed  for  ever. 
Upon  my  soul,  I  can't  imagine,  now  1  think  it  over, 
why  the  old  lady  was  so  persistent  about  my  asking. 
But  the  dear  '■^ good"  women  do  take  these  trifles  so 
damn'd  seriously  !  [Chuckling^  Personally,  1  admit  it 
— dear  boy, — when  she  told  me, — I  simply  said  to 
myself,  "  Bah !  a  good-looking  smart  young  officei', 
.  .  .  like  yourself, — and —  .  .  .  why — it's  an  every 
day  occurrence  "... 

Haxs. 

[Suddenly  springing  to  his  feet.l  No,  no !  .  .  .  It 
wasn't  the  least  like  that.  ...  It  was  different,  quite 
different. 

SCHMITZ. 

[Puzded.]  Different?  .  .  . 

Hans. 

[Suddenly  confronting  Mm,  sirenuou.'i,  steadying  his 
voice  vnth  difficulty. '\  Yes  !  .  .  .  This  is  the  first  time 
and  the  last  that  she, — that  this, — shall  be  mentioned 
or  discussed  between  us.  .  .  .  But  now, — you  must 
know  all,  the  whole  truth,  for  I  owe  it  to  you. — I'll 
have  no  secrets  from  you, — no  dark  places  I'm  afraid 
of  you  exploring  :  .  .  .  only — I  want  you — to  realise 
that  this  wasn't  a  vulgar  ordinary  intrigue,  ...  a 
common  thing  : — no,  no ! !  [passionately]  .  .  .  but  an 
"  episode  " —  .  .   .  that  all  but  killed  me — !  !   .  .   . 


LOVE'S  CARNIVAL  57 

SCHMITZ. 

[Disconcerted.]  But,  Hans,  surely 

Hans. 

[Unheediiig.]  Let  me  finish  .  .  .  listen !  .  .  .  A 
year  ago  last  summer,  I  saw  her  for  the  first  time, — 
coming  out  of  Churcli.  .  .  .  I'd  taken  the  Company 
to  the  morning  service  ...  it  was  a  Sunday,  a  June 
day.  ...  7  knew  the  moment  I  set  eyes  on  her, 
that  it  must  go  further. — Her  name  was  Else, — Else 
Reimcann ;  her  people  quite  poor  folk  ; — in  fact  she'd 
only  her  mother  left, — an  invalid, — whom  she  sup- 
ported,— and  with  whom  she  lived.  .  .  . — [He  pauses, 
then  goes  on.]  Well,  I  own — at  first  I  treated  our — 
.  .  .  our  intimacy  as  lightly  as  is  usual  in  such  cases. 
That  was  at  the  beginning.  But  very  soon  I  realised 
what  I  possessed  in  her,  and  thei'e  grew  up  between 
us  such  a  sympathy,  devotion, — mutual  trust  and  con- 
fidence, as  is,  1  believe,  unique — in  such  conditions. 
And  I  was  happy,  in  so  far  as  I'm  a  judge  of  happi- 
ness,— .  .  .  and  it  never  even  occurred  to  me  there 
could  be  "si«,"  so-called, — in  our  great  love.  We 
lived  in  a  dream-world  of  our  own,  and  we'<l  each 
other.  And  when  I  thought  of  the  future, — and  I 
did  think,  often,  .  .  .  with  all  its  strange  remotest 
possibilities,  .  .  .  only  one  never  occurred  to  me, — 
never, — never, — and —  .   .  .  that  was — sepai'ation  ! ! 

SCHMITZ. 

[Increasinyly  at  a  loss.]  Yes — ])ut —  .  .  .  ? 

Hans. 

You  think  I'm  mad  ?  .  .  .  Naturally !  But  there 
it  was  !  ...  At  any  rate  I've  .  .  .  paid  for  my  .  .  . 


5S  LOVE'S  CARNIVAL 

'•  fun  "  !  Good  heavens  I  /'/«  not  trying  to  excuse 
myself.  .  .  .  [He  paces  tJiP,  room  ayitatedlij,  then  comes 
to  a  dead  stop  in  front  of  the  noin  thoroiiyhlt/  perturbed 
ScHMiTZ.]  Well,  so  you  see,  that's  how  things  stood 
when  I  was  ordered  to  Erfurt  for  my  training,  last 
July.  .  .  .  For  over  a  year  we'd  been  all  in  all  to  each 
other, — Else  and  I, — at  least  so  / — fool !  .  .  .  thought : 
.  .  .  and — and  I  was  only  to  be  away  a  month, — one 
little  month, — ^but  even  that  [laityhiny  mirtldessly] 
proved  far  too  long  for  her  ! 

SCHMITZ. 

Well,  but,   .   .   .  And  of  course 

Hans. 

Oh,  for  the  first  ten  days  she  wrote  constantly,  the 
sweetest,  dearest  little  letters ;  .  .  .  then,  suddenly, 
all  communications  ceased.  Kot  a  word  further  could 
I  wring  from  her.  .  .  .  And — when  1  returned,  I  was 
informed  at  once  that — that  she'd  thrown  me  over, — 
simply  chucked  me,  in  the  most  bare-faced  manner 
imaginable  .  .  .  and  for  a  man  whom  I  absolutely — 
.  .  .  but  that's  neither  here  nor  there !  .  .  .  — It 
was  common  gossip, — the  whole  Mess  knew  it !  .  .  . 
Even  tlie  Colonel  somehow  heard  of  it,  and  thought 
the  occasion  propitious  for  chipping  in  with  endless 
homilies  and  admonitions  !  .  .  .  Anyway,  I  gave  him 
my  word  of  honour,  there  and  then,  that  all  was  over, 
— dead  and  buried  !  .  .  . 

SCHMITZ. 

[After  a  slight  pause.\  And — have  you  never, — 
never  once,  even,  seen  her  again,  .   .  .  since  A 


LOVE'S  CARNIVAL  59 

Hans. 

[£!mj}haticall>/.]  Never, — thank  Cod  !  Not  once  ! — 
...  If  you  knew  the  effect  it  had  on  me :  .  .  .  the 
mad,  sick,  helpless  rage  and  misery  ;  .  .  she  cut  deep  ! 
...  I  tried  to  strangle  it, — to  forget  things  ...  in 
the  usual  "  young  man's  "  consolations. —  ...  I  got 
into  debt  for  the  first  time  in  my  life, — neglected 
regimental  duties, — went  almost  to  the  devil,  soul  and 
body.  .  .  .  Then  my  health  l)roke  down — ;  that 
was  the  saving  clause  perhaps  ?  .  .  .  The  rest  you 
know  .  .  . 

[There  is  a  longish  silence. 

SCHMITZ. 

\Gently.^  My  dear  Hans,  you've  nothing  more  you 
wish  to  say —  ? 

Hans. 
Nothing, 

8CHMITZ. 

Well,  dear  boy,  shake  hands !  I'm  thankful  we've 
talked  this  matter  over — and  had  it  out  between  us, 
— man  to  man.  ...  I  must  say  I'd  never  imagined  it 
like — that  !  I'd  only  formed  my  own  conclusions  from 
fragments  of  your  cousins'  letters — to  your  Grand- 
mother :  .  .  .  "  thank  heaven  he's  quit  of  her  at  last  " 
.   .   .  and  so  forth. —  .   .   . 

Hans. 

[Starting. 1^  The  Ilambergs'  letters  ?  To  my  Grand- 
mother ?  .  .  . 

ScnMiTZ. 

Yes.  Of  course  I'd  not  the  faintest  notion  it  was 
so   serious.     This  makes  me  all    the   more  grateful, 


6o  LOVE'S  CARNIVAL 

Hans,  for  your  frank  and  generous  confession.  .  .  . 
And,  so  far  from  having  injured  yourself  in  my  eyes, 
— why,  T  think  twice  as  much  of  you !  [  With  a  deep 
sigh  of  infinite  relief.^  And  one  can  but  congratulate 
you  on  being  well  quit  of  a  dangerous  little  baggage 

who 

Hans. 

Dangerous  ?  ...  If  you'd  seen  her  .  .  . 

SCHMITZ. 

Yes,  yes,  I  know  !  All  very  fine — but  she'd  have 
been  a  millstone  round  your  neck  to  the  end  o'  time. 
.  .  .  Girls  of  that  class,  who  take  up  with  young  men 
above  their  own  station,  men  who  can't  marry  'em, 
and  who  make  no  pretension  of  intending  to, — aren't 
worth  consideration  !  Granted  they've  all  sorts  of 
charming  superficial  qualities, — at  bottom  they're  all 
of  a  piece.  .  .  .  You've  had  your  experience —  .  .  . 
anyway. 

Hans. 

[  With  a  triste  smile.]  Yes  ; — I've  had  my — ex- 
perience. 

SCHMITZ. 

Come  now, — let's  change  the  subject,  and  talk  of 
pleasanter  things.  .  .  .  You  don't  know  how  I've 
enjoyed  my  day, — Hans.  .  .  .  By  Jove  ! — I'd  no  idea 
one  could  have  such  good  times  in  barracks  ! 

Hans. 

[A  hsently,  fidgeting  with  thiiigs  on  writing  tahle.\  Oh, 
yes:  ,  .  .  sometimes  .  .  .  yes — it's  very 

[  There  is  a  knock  at  door. 
Come  in  ! 


LOVE'S  CARNIVAL  6i 

Enter  Moritz. 

MORITZ. 

[In  cap  cloak,  d-c,  sedates.]  Beg  pardon  !  Awfully 
sori-y  !  .  .   .  Am  I  in  the  way  ?  .  .  . 

SCIIMITZ. 

By  no  means  !  .  .  I  expect  you've  come  to  do  the 
rounds  with  Hans  ?  .  .  .  and  anyway,  far  as  I'm 
concerned  it's  high  time  I  made  a  move.  [Glanci7ig  at 
watch.]  My  word !  .  .  .  I  must  get  a  few  hours'  sleep 
after  all  my  dissipation,  and  my  train  goes  at  5  a.m. 
Well,  my  dear  Hans,  I'm  ofl"!     Good-bye.  .  .  . 

Hans. 

My  dear  father-in-law,  what  are  you  thinking  of  ? 
Why,  of  coui'se  I'll  see  you  to  the  hotel.  .  .  .  I'm  so 
vexed  I  can't  come  to  the  station.   .  .   . 

Schmidt. 

Nonsense  !  I  know  my  way,  and  it's  only  a  step ; 
.  .  .  besides,  you  mustn't  leave  your  friend —  .   .   . 

MOEITZ. 

Oh,  don't  con.sider  me,  please  !  .  .  .  [Pointing  to 
piano.]  I'll  strum  a  bit  meantime.  The  others  are 
bound  to  look  in  presently. 

Hans. 

He's  our  regimental  baritone.  I  wish  you  could 
hear  him  sing. 

[Taking  cloak  from  icardrobe,  puts  it  on. 

SCIIMITZ. 

Yes,   yes,   so   do  I, — but  I'm   afiaid   i   can  t  now. 


62  LOVE'S  CARNIVAL 

Well, — Good-bye  again — Herr  Diesterberg,  and  please 
convey  to  all  your  brother  officers  repeated  thanks  for 
the  delightful  day  you've  given  me. 

MOKITZ. 

[Salutmy.]  The  pleasure  was  ours,  sir. 

Hans. 

You  left  your  things  at  the  Mess  ;  we'll  go  back 
that  way.  .  .  .  Shan't  be  long,  Moritz !  [He  links  his 
ann  affectionately  in,  Schmitz's.] 

[Exeunt  both. 
Moritz. 

[  Wanders  up  to  picture  of  the  fiancee  and  contemplates 
it  with  modified  approval.]  H'm,  plenty  of  gilding — 
anyway  !  [lie  goes  to  piano,  sits,  plays  a  few  vagrant 
chords,  then  sings  the  first  lines  of  Lassen  s  ^^  Aller- 
tSeelen".] 

"  Lay  by  my  side  your  wreath  of  purple  heather, 

Your  crimson  asters,  fading  with  this  day  ; — 
Let's  sit  and  dream,  and  speak  of  love — together, 
As  once  in  May, — as  once  in  May  !  " 

[2'he  Ramberg  Brothers  enter  quietly  during  the  song 
and  join  boisterously  in  the  refrain,  "  Js  once  in 
May  "  the  second  time. 

[Wheeling  round  irately  on  music  stool.]  Damnation! 
— Never  one  moment's  peace  ! !  .  .  .  Why  the  blazes 
couldn't  you  come  in  ten  minutes  later  ? — I'm  in  re- 
markably good  voice  to-night — too —  .   .  . 

Peter. 

All  the  better  !  Strike  up  then,  and  oblige  with 
"  Two  Grenadiers." 


LOVE'S  CARNIVAL  63 

Paul. 

"  To  France  returned  two  Grenadiers, 
In  Russia  they'd  been  captured."  .  .  ! 

MoRITZ. 

Goth  !  .  .  .  you've  as  much  music  in  your  composi- 
tion as  a  bull  elephant !  .  .  .  \^Vith  ■} nock  melodrama. '\ 
You've  no  aspirations,  no  souls  for  anything — above 
the  sordid  gratifications  of  a  base  materialism  !  .  .  . 
Now — Hans — and  / —  .  .  . 

Peter. 

[Interruptincj.]  Why  the  deuce  don't  you  collaborate 
and  do  an  opera,  ?  You'd  knock  creation — between 
you. — He'd  supply  libretto  and  "  sentiment  "  galore, 
warranted  cheap  :  and  you  could  weigh  in  with  the 
"  chunes,"  eh  ?  If  that  didn't  fetch  'em — nothing 
would  ! 

Enter  Harold  precipitatehj . 

Harold. 

[^Brusqaely.^  'Evening!  Where's  Hans  ?  Isn't  he 
back  i 

MORITZ. 

No  !     He's  only  just  gone  ! 


Peter. 

By  the  same  token,  what  d'you  think  of  Pain-law 
elect  ? 

Harold. 

[6'Kri///.]   I  like  him.     Good  sort ;  no  humbug. 


64  LOVE'S  CARNIVAL 

MOIUTZ. 

Pleasant,  sociable  old  chap — I  consider  .  .  .  I'll 
bet  he  proves  a  godsend  to  the  regiment !  By  the 
way — I  suppose  you've  met  the  girl  ?  .  .  .  I  hear 
she's  extremely  musical — ? 

Paul. 
.  .  .  They've  a  confoundedly  good  cook, — anyway. 

Peter. 

Yes, — I  must  say,  they  do  one  awfully  well.  V\'e 
know  Fraulein  Kiithie — of  course.  Very  pretty,  but 
uninteresting  ;  a  bit  superficial.  She's  always  been  a 
special  pet  of  the  Grandmother's — somehow 

Paul. 

Very  carefully  brought  up  !  I'd  have  gone  in  for 
her  myself — but  I'm  assured  she's  adored  Hans  from 
her  perambulator — and — onwards  .  .  . 

MORITZ. 

[Fretfidl)/ .]  I  fail  to  see  that's  any  reason  for 
sitting  here  parched 

Paul. 

[SpringiiKj  icp.^  Sorry,  old  boy  !  .  .  .  There's  heaps 
of  beer  still,  but  nothing  else  !  But  that's  part  of  the 
game,  of  course  ...  to  kid  old  Schmitz  with  the  idea 
that  he's  a  prodigy  of  economy,  etc.  [He  lauyhs,  and 
raises  his  glass.]  Prosit !   .  .   .   evei'ybody. 

Peter. 
[Reflectively.]  Gad  !    yes !  .  .   .  Some  people  have 


LOVE'S  CARNIVAL  6':, 

the  devil's  own  luck  !     Hans  always  falls  on  his  fi'^t. 
He's  a  "  Sunday's  child,"  if  ever  there  was  one ! 

Harold. 
Oh,  come  ? — 

Peter. 
You  can't  deny  it.     There  he  was  for  instance,  not 
a  cent  to  his  name — over  head  and  ears  in  debt.   .  .  . 
Now  [toaving  towards  the  jncfiire]  .   .   .  this . 

Paul. 
[Laughing,  pours  out  heer.]  Prosit !  little  brother  ! 
.  .  .  here's  to  you — and  luck  to  the  pair  of  us ! 

Peter. 
[Touching  glasses  ivith  him.^  Yes — by  Jove  !  .  .  . 
and  when  I  think  what   damn  good   chaps  we  are — 
we  two,  'pon  my  soul,  we  deserve  it !  .  .  . 

Harold. 
Deserve  what  ? 

Peter. 
Why — luck  of  course  !     It's  been  the  dream  of  the 
Grandmother's  life  that  Hans  and  the  little  Schmitz 
should  make  a  match  of  it. 

Harold. 
[Impatientli/.]  GoodJ-iordl  .  .  .  that etei-nal Grand- 
mother !   .  .   ,  Saving  your   presence  I'm  sick   of   her 
very  name !     You  talk  as  if  she  were  a  sort  of  Provi- 
dence  

Peter. 

Well,  so  she  is,  m  a  way.  She  knows  what  she 
wants,  and  when  she's  set  her  heart  on  anything,  she 
generally  gets  it  in  the  end  .  .   . 


66  LOVE'S  CARNIVAL 

Paul. 

Far  bettei'  for  Hans  if  she'd  sent  him  early  to  the 
Militnry  College,  like  ourselves 

Hauold. 

[Gric0y.]  I  don't  see  that.  Hans  is  all  right  as  he 
is. — I  know  him  as  well  as  you  do, — and  understand 
him  too, — better  than  the  whole  pack  of  you  put 
together. 

Paul. 
Tiens!  .  .  . 

Peter. 

No  need  to  lose  your  temper — old  man.  All  I  say 
is  this. — -Hans  is  a  born  dreamer, — in  some  things 
even  a  bit  of  a  fantastic  .  .  .  too  ;  ...  he  always 
has  been.   .   .  . 

Paul. 

Certainly.  And  if  he'd  still  been  saddled  with  that 
little  baggage,  the  Reimann  creature,  there'd  have 
been  no  question  to-day  of  an  alliance  with  the 
omnipotent,  august  Schmiiz  and  Co. 

Harold. 

[^Irritated.']  Naturally!  Any  fool  knows  fAai .'  But 
what's  all  this  to  do  with  your  blessed  Grandmother  ? 
I  don't  see  the  connection.  Moreover,  I've  a  bone  to 
pick  with  you  on  this  score.  For  some  days  past  the 
slighting,  sneering  tone  you've  both  taken  about  Hans, 
has  thoroughly  annoyed  me  ! —  ...  I  tell  you,  in  the 
course  of  all  my  service —  .  .  ,  I've  never  met  a  man, 
— I  take'  my  oath, — as  clean,  as  true,  as  all-round 
straight,  as  Hans  !  .    .  . 


LOVE'S  CARNIVAL  67 

MORITZ. 

\Approvingh/J\   Bravo  !  old  Hty^-old  ! !   .   .   . 

Peter. 

\Suavehj.'\  Who  denies  it  ? 

Harold. 

[Ignorint/  them.]  But  damn  it  all — he's  had  no  luck  ! 
.  .  .  Everything's  been  dead  against  him  : — .  .  .  this 
wretched  love  affiiir, — good  Lord  ! — getting  left  like 
that, — shamefully  sold  !  It  cut  him  cursed  deep, — 
to  the  very  core —  !  .  .  .  But  she  must  have  been  a 
bad  sort.  So  perhaps  it's  all  for  the  best  as  it  is.  .  .  . 
Though  where  you  and  the  Grandmother  come  in, — 
beats  me  altogether. 

Paul. 

We  "  come  in" — rather  conspicuously,  ...  as  it 
happens.  .  .  .  [He  laughs.] 

Harold. 
How  ? 

Paul. 

Naturally — because 


Peter. 
Shut  up  !  .   .   .   What's  the  use 

Harold. 
[Imjjeraiively.]  No  ;  go  on ? 

Paul. 
Why    not  ?      Now   the    whole    thing's    turned    up 
trumps,   why  shouldn't    he    know  ?     After   all — tiiis 
glorious  finale's  purely  thanks  to  ns  ! 


68  LOVE'S  CARNIVAL 

Harold. 
You  ?  ?  .  .  .  Why,  what  d'yoii  mean  ? 

Paul. 
What  I  say —  .  .   . 

Peter. 


\ Impatiently.]  Oh,  .stow  it,     aul 


Paul. 

[Quietly  insistent.]  No,  I'm  going  to  tell  him. 
— Look  here,  it's  simple  enough.  When  Hans  went 
ofl'  to  Erfurt  for  his  Company  training,  his  re- 
lations with  this  girl  had,  as  you  know,  reached  a 
pitch  of — of — well — enthtmasm — let's  call  it — that 
boded  inevitable  disaster.  I  believe  the  fool  seriously 
contemplated  marrying  her  !  .  .  .  This  being  out  of 
the  question,  and  in  the  interests  of  the  family,  and  his 
career,  we  decided  that  drastic  measures  of  some  sort 
must  be  resorted  to,  immediately, — to  save — and  free 
him.  .  .  . 

Harold. 

You  .  .  .  decided  ...??? 

Peter. 

[Complacently.]  Of  course.  Who  else  ?  It  was  the 
only  cousinly — and  only  friendly  course  open  to  us. — 
We'd  no  option  ! 

Paul. 

We  knew  it  was  hopeless,  and  our  hands  tied, — so 
long  as  Else  stuck  to  him,  and  he  was  sure  of  her 
fidelity.  So  —  it  became  our  painful  duty,  in  the 
interests  of  the  family  .  .  . 


LOVE'S  CARNIVAL  69 

Harold. 
[A,j/msi.]  The  .  .  .  family  .  .  .  ?? 

Paul. 

Of  course,  ...  to  free  him  from  the  toils  of  a 
common  adventuress. 

Hakold. 

"Common!"  "Adventuress!"  .  .  .  [ControUiny 
himself  with  difficulty.^  Goon!   .   .   . 

Paul. 

Well, — we  schemed  a  bit,  and  ...  to  put  it  plainly, 
lied  a  bit.  .  .  .  Faked  up  a  splendidly  dramatic  "  be- 
trayal," .  .  .  antl,  well,  voila !  .  .  .  That's  all. 
[Serenely.]  D'you  take  us — now  ? 

Harold. 

[Staring  at  him  blankly.]  No. 

MORITZ. 

/do!  .   .  . 

Paul. 

Good  Lord  !  you  must  be  dense — then  ! 

Harold. 

[Incredulously.]  D'you — d'you  actually  mean  to  tell 
me  you — you  threw  hei-  and  Grobitzsch  together  .  .  . 
to  that  end  ? 

Paul. 

Why,  certainly!  [Laughing.]  And/m-  reputation  is 
enough  to  dairin  nny  woman.  When  Hans  left  he 
commended  tlie  lady  to  our  special  caie.  Well, — we 
couldn't  have  i-ewarded    his  confidence  in  a  spirit  of 


70  LOVE'S  CARNIVAL 

truei'  friendship,   coulil   we  ?     To-night  you  see  the 
admirable  results. 

Harold. 

\^jlfter  a  brief  siU/nce,  springing  up,  choked  loith  con- 
flicting emotions.^^  Great  heavens  !  A  pretty  story, — 
very  !  .  .  .  You're  a  nice  pair !  ! — Your  cousin,  .  .  . 
and  brother  officer.  .   .  . 

Peter. 

What  more  could  you  ask  ? 

Harold. 

And, — and  Grobitzsch — he  stood  in  with  you  then, 

and ? 

Peter. 

Well,  Grobitzsch  ,  .   . 

[Checks  himself  aivkioardhj  as  JlAys  suddenl// 
re-enters. 

Hans. 
[J  10  dooriva>/.]  What  about  Grobitzsch  ? 

Peter, 
Nothing. — I — I  was  merely — merely 

Hans. 

You  were  merely ?  .  .  . 

[There  is  a  constrained  silence. 

[Gailij.]  Why,  what's  up  with  you  all, — sitting 
there  like  images  ?  I  suppose  you're  "  out  "  with  me 
for  keeping  you  waiting.  Eh  ?  Awfully  sorry,  boys, — 
but  positively  couldn't  help  it !  The  old  man  had  to 
be  considered  first.     A  propos  of  Grobitzsch,  though, 


LOVE'S  CARNIVAL  71 

I  can't  imagine  what's  come  to  him  these  last  days  : — 
he's  been  so  damned  civil  !  [i/e  lauyhs. 

[J'b  one  responds. 

Why, — what  on  earth's  wrong  with  you  all  to-night  ? 
Is  the  beer  finished  ? 

Paul. 

[Glad  of  tlte  diversion,  jumps  up  and  fills  a  glass, 
handing  it-l  No.     Here  you  are  ! 

Hans. 

Thanks,  dear  cousin  ;  you're  an  angel  !  Prosit ! 
Upon  my  sovd,  you  are  a  cheerful  lot !  [i/e  drinks. ^^ 
Anybody  got  a  cigarette  I  .  .  . 

[Peteu  hands  him  his  own  cigarette  case. 

By  the  way,  boys,  my  pa-in-law  prospective  sends 
you  all  his  love  and  duty;  [to  the  Rambergs.] 
specially  to  you  two  !  You  quite  took  him  by  storm  ; 
.  .  .  he's  raved  about-  you  ever  since ; — Rambergs 
this  and  Rambergs  that ;  and,  don't  mind  me  saying 
it,  but  you  both  seem  to  take  my  new  happiness  so — 
so  personally,  somehow  ?  You  almost  make  me  feel 
as  if  I  owed  my  engagement  to  you.  .  .  . 

Harold. 

[Unable  to  contain  hionself.]  Yes  ! — [Long  2)ause.] 
And  so  you  do  !  .  .  .  You'd  better  thank  them. 

Peter, 
[Horrified.^  Harold — [Iiisingi\ 

Harold. 

[Rabidly. ^^  You  shut  up  !  .   .  .  I'm  not  your  acooui- 


72  LOVE'S  CARNIVAL 

plice.  ...  It  makes  me  lage ! !     The  whole  thing's 

too  revolting  ! 

Hans. 

[Has  Q'isen,  and  stands  mystified,  looking  from  one 
to  the  other.]  Harold  !  What  is  it  ?  What's  the 
matter  ?  .  .  . 

Peter. 

[^^otto  voce,  throvyh  clenched  teeth.]  You  know  what 
you're  risking  ? 

Harold. 

[Ragi7i(j.]  I  do  !  .  .  .  but  I'd  be  a  skunk  and  a 
scoundrel  if  I  didn't  speak  !  Your  charming  cousins 
here — the  Rambergs,  betrayed  your  trust  shamefully, 
and  simply  threw  Else  into  Grobitzsch's  way.  Lite- 
rally flung  them  together 

Peter  and  Paul. 
Liar ! ! ! 

Harold. 

Yes,  flung  them  together,  Grobitzsch  and  Else,  I 
tell  you, — delibei-ately, — cold-bloodedly, — in  order  to 
"  free  " — i/oii, — as  they  put  it, — and  hurry  on  this 
engagement !  That's  what's  the  matter  !  And  they 
— they're  proud  of  it  .  .  .  they  boast  of  it —  .  .  . 
God  ! ! —  .  .  .  [He  turns  aivai/  brusquely.] 

[  There  is  a  brief  tense  silence  ;  then  Hans  goes 
a  few  steps  nearer  the  Rambergs  and 
stands  staring  at  them  speechless,  as  if 
transfixed. 

Hans. 

[At  length,  in,  a  tirained  staccato  voice.]  I — I  don't 
understand .  .  . 


LOVE'S  CARNIVAL  73 

[The7'e  is  a  hurried  knock,  and  before  he 
can  reply,  Heinrich  enters  with  helmet, 
stvord-belt,  d-c. 

What  d'you  want  ? 

Heinrich. 
Just  on  time  for  your  rounds,  sir. 

Hans. 

[Looking  at  his  watch.]  It  is.  .  .  .  Look  sharp ! 
[//e  begins  dressing  inechanically,  as  if  in  a  dream, 
loith  Heinricii's  aid.] 

Peter. 

[Tentatively.]  My  dear  Hans,  do  be  i-easonable! 
What  we've  done,  we've  done  from  the  best  motive — 
and  with  your  interests  at  heart 

Hans. 

Wait!  [To  Heinrich.]  Leave  that!  Get  to 
bed  !  .  .  .  [Heinrich  salutes  and  goes  out. 

Now  explain !  .  .  .   What   have  you  done  to — what 
have  you  done  to— with —  .  .  .  Else  ? 

Paul. 

[Hotly.]  First  of  all  we  demand  Harold's  withdrawal 
of  his  oftensive  accusation. — Are  ive  responsible  for 
Grobitzsch's  amours  ? 

Hans. 

You  remember  : — I  committed  Else  to  your  care. 
You  swore  to  me  you'd  look  after  her.  By  God  !  if 
in  the  face  of  that 


74  LOVE'S  CARNIVAL 

Peter. 

We  merely 

Paul. 

...  A  trifling  quibble, — a  white  lie 

Hans. 

Stop  !  Not  another  word,  to-night, — I've  my  duty 
now, — my  rounds.  But  .  .  .  to-morrow — at  all  costs, 
I'll  have  your — your  explanation  f  [lie  is  yoimj. 

Harold. 
I'm  coming  with  you. 

\^IIe  puts  on  his  ccq),  and  strides  out  in  front 
o/Hans. 

Hans. 

[Vei'ij  tvhite,  stern,  and  collected,  turning  in  doonoay, 
looks  back  at  the  Brothers.]  Till  ■ —  to-moi^row,  — 
then  !  ,  .  .  \Ue  goes  out. 

[17ie  Rambergs  stand  staring  at  each  other 
in  silence. 


CURTAIN. 


THE   THIRD   ACT 


ScEXE. — The  same  as  Act  II.     The  followhtj  eveniny. 

Ahoi(,t  6.30  ^A??i. 

Hans  enters  almost  immediately  in  unifortn,  cloaked, 
dv,     Ilejlings  his  cloak  aside. 

Hans. 

Heinrich  ! ! 

[Heinrich  begins  helpimj  Hans  out  of  his 
things. 

\_Goes  into  bedroom,  slbouts.^  My  jacket ! 

[Heinrich  takes  jacket  from  wardrobe  a7id 
goes  into  bedroom. 

[hi  bedroom.^  The  lamp !  ,  .  . 

[Heinrich   re-enters    and    lights    lam])    on 
writing-table. 

Has  anybody  been,  or  asked  for  me  ? 

Hkixricii. 
No,  sir  ;  but  there's  a  letter. 

[7'akes  it  from  table  and  goes  to  bedroom  door. 

Hans. 
Where  from  i 


76  LOVES  CARNIVAL 

Heinrich. 
[Exaviining  post-mark.]  Cologne, — sir. 

Hans. 

Put  it  down  ; — I'm  coming. 

[Heinrich  replaces  letter  on  loriting-table. 
Hans  re-enters  in  mess  jacket,  d'c.  lie 
looks  ill,  and  is  overiorought  and  nervous. 
Heinrich  takes  up  two  unconi}n'omisi7ig- 
looking  obvious  business  letters, — and 
smiles  dubiously. 

What  the  devil  are  you  grinning  at — you  old  fool  ? 

Heinrich. 

Bills,   sir. — Two   more.    \_Cheerfally.'\    They    keep 
comin'  in. 

Hans. 

Stow  'em  away  !   .   .   .  You  know  where  they  go. 

[Heinrich  opens  a  draw,  flings  them  hi. 

Order-book  in  yet  ?  .  .   . 

Heinrich. 
No,  sir. 

Hans. 

Any  idea  what's  on, — to-morrow  ? 

Heinrich. 

Parade  at  six-thirty,  sir  .  .  .  Rout  march  at  seven. 

Hans. 

Divine ! !  ,  .  .    Look    sharp !    .  .    .    get   me   some 
coffee ! 


LOVE'S  CARNIVAL  77 

[Heinrich  proditces  coffee-machine  —  and 
puts  it  on  a  table. 

[Hans,  at  vjriting -table,  has  opened  letter  ;  he  glances  at 
it,  a7id  throivs  it  aside  wearihj.^  (iive  me  a  Cognac, — 
too ! 

[Heinrich  takes  some  from  Tantalus — and 
hands  it. 

[Whimsicalli/, — taking  it.]  Dissipation's  a  fraud — 
Heinrich —  ,  .  .  and  Virtue  its  own  reward  !  .  .  . 
D'you  know  that  .  .   .  ? 

Heinrich. 

[Stricthj  2^'>'f''Ciical, — ignoring    remark.]    Are    you 
goin'  out  again, — sir  ? 

Hans. 

Wait  and  see.  .  .  .  Who  knows  ?  [A  knock. 

Come  in ! 

[An  Orderly  e7iters,  salutes,  and  stands  in 
doorioay.  Heinrich  goes  to  him — takes 
Order-book  and  hands  it  to  Hans  at  table. 

Well,  then — Heinrich — .  .  .  to-morrow  morning, — 
six  o'clock  sharp.   .  .  . 

[lie  glances  at  orders,  signs  book, — and  hands 
it  back  to  Heinrich.  Heinrich  returns 
it  to  Orderly,  v)ho  salutes  and  goes  out. 

Hans. 

Look  here !     What  are  the  three  cardinal  virtues 
of  a  good  servant — eh  ?   ,  .   .  Sobriety — ? 

Heinrich. 
.Sobri(>ty, — punctuality, —        .  .   . 


yS  LOVF/S  CARNIVAL 

Hans. 
Well—?  .  .  . 

Heinrich. 

Knowin'  when  to  hold  your  tongue, — sir  ? 

Hans. 

Precisely:  specially  number  three.  Listen!  [danc- 
ing at  his  loatch.^  It's  about  six-thirty  now.  .  .  . 
Sharp  at  seven  I'm  expecting  a  young  lady —  .  .  . 

Heinrich. 
Very  good,  sir. 

Hans. 

She  doesn't  know  my  room  :  she's  never  been  in 
baiTacks  in  her  life. 

[Heinrich  imperceptibli/  raises  an  eyebrow. 

Therefore — you'll  be  on  the  look-out  for  her, — at  the 
side  entrance, — a  few  minutes  before  seven.  Put  your 
cap  on.  .  .  .  D'you  take  me  ? 

Heinrich. 
Yes, — sir. 

Hans. 

And  when  you  see  her  coming,  go  up  to  her — and 
ask  her, — civilly, — mind, — if  by  any  off  chance  she 
wants  Lieutenant  Rudorff  ...  — ...  If  she  says 
"  Yes,"  bring  her  in  the  shortest  way.  .  .  .  Don't  on 
any  account  announce  her  ;  simply  open  the  door  and 
show  her  in  :   .  .   .  you  understand  ? 

Heinrich. 
[Stolidly, — handing  coffeeJ]  Yes, — sir. 


LOVE'S  CARNIVAL  79 

Hans. 

Well  then, — go  over  it.     What  are  you  to  do? 

Heinrich. 
^Mechanically .^  A  few  minutes  before  seven — 

Hans. 

.  .  .  And  if  necessary  you'll  wait  till  seven-thirty — 

Heinrich. 

...  A  few  minutes  before  seven  I'm  at  the  side 
entrance  waitin'  for  your  young  lady ■ 

Hans. 

\_Hastihj.'\  She's  not  my  lady — idiot !  .  .  .  I  said — 
"  a  "  lady'  ,  .  . 

Heinrich. 

Beg  pardon,  sir.  [^Resuming  parrot-ioise].  .  .  .  I'm 
waiting  for  "  a  "  lady, — which,  soon  as  I  spots  'er,  I 
bi'ings  along, — quick  as  I  can, — an'  shows  'er  in  'ere, 
without  knockin'  .   .   . 

Hans. 

Good!  That's  near  enough!  [lie  laughs.]  And — 
don't  forget  vour  cap,— or  she  won't  recognise  you 
from  my  description  !  .  .  .  OS  you  go  !  ! 

[Heinrich  salutes  and  goes  out.  Hans  takes 
up  the  letter  again,  reads  a  few  lines,  then 
tosses  it  aside,  and  loith  a  Imig  sigh  of 
utter  tceariness  leans  his  head  on  his 
hands.  There  is  a  sudden  knock :  he  starts. 
[Jtesig7tedly.]  Come  in  !  ! 

IJnter  Harold, 


8o  LOVE'S  CARNIVAL 

Harold. 
[TTew^////.]  Good  evening — Han.s  !   .  .  . 

Hans. 

\^Kising.'\  'Evening — old  man.     Well  ? 

Harold. 

[^Ile  flings  himself  into  a  chair, '\  Well — ??   .  .  . 

Hans. 

.  .  .  Cigar?  .  .   . 

Harold. 
Thanks. 

[Hans  offers  cigar-box  and  matches ;  then 
retiirns  to  loriting-tahle — and  takes  up 
letter  loith  a  distrait  air. 

[^Lighting  cigar.']  .  .  .  From  the  bride  elect — ? 

Hans. 
[Nodding.']  H'm.  .  .  . 

Harold. 

[Leaning  hack,  considering  him  inquiringli/.]  D'yoiT 
write  to  each  other  often — ? 

Hans. 

[Absently.]  So  so.  [He  glances  over  the  letter  from 
end  to  end,  then  suddenly  reads  aloud.]  "  And  then, — 
dear  thing, — don't  forget  to  say  if  I'm  to  bring  the 
little  vieux-rose  frock  you  liked  so  much  the  other 
night, — to  be  photoed  in  ?  .  .  .  Dad  wants  me  to 
have  large  ones — this  time  ; — the  '  extra-size  bou- 
doir'   shape, — you     know, — that's    so    fashionable? 


LOVE'S  CARNIVAL  8i 

Isn't  it  sweet  of  him  ?  .  .  .  Forgive  this  hurried 
scrawl, — but  the  Meyers  have  a  tennis  party, — and  I 
must  fly  and  change  for  it  ..."..   . 

[He  pauses — and  looks  across  at  Harold—  .  .  .  ?  ? 

Harold. 

Well  ?  .  .  .  Good  Lord,  man,  what  d'you  expect  ? 
Remember  what  a  child  it  is,  still  .  .  . 

Hans. 
M'yes  ...  of  course.   .  .  . 

Harold. 

[Suddenly  andj  bluntly.^  Look  here — Hans  .  .  . 
I've  come  to  beg  your  pardon, — -and  say  how  sorry  I 
am  for  what  occurred  last  night. 

Hans. 
My  pardon  ?  .  .  .   Yoit  .  .  .  ?  ? 

Harold. 

Yes.  I  was  wrong — quite  wrong  .  .  .  I'd  no  right 
to  give  your  cousins  away,  so  long  after  the  event. 
What's  done — is  done.  .  .  .  But  upon  my  soul  I  was, 
— momentarily, — so — so  utterly  disgusted  with  the 
whole  job, — that  my  temper  fairly  mastered  me.  .  .  . 

Hans. 

Momentarily?!?  Why — (Jood  heavens!  aren't  you 
infinitely  moi'e  disgusted  now  ?  [J^Jxcitedly.]  Surely 
you've  not  come  here  to  defend  them, — have  you? 
I'm  not  to  be  deceived  in  you  too, — Harold, — am  I  ? 

F 


82  LOVE'S  CARNIVAL 

Harold. 

Me  ?     Good    Lord  !  ...  if  you   know  everything 

about  me — old  boy 

Hans. 
God  forbid ! 

Harold. 

.  .  .  And  the  mischief  of  it  is, — one's  always  doing 
it !  .  .  .  But  there !  .  .  .  Any  one  else, — we  two 
excepted,  would  have  been  only  too  glad  to  get  the 
thing  hushed  up — at  any  price —  .   .   . 

Hans. 

Pardon  me ;  then,  "  any  one  else "  must  be  an 
infernal  cad.  .  .  .  Once  a  suspicion  lays  hold  of  me 
that  I've  done  some  one, — unwittingly, — a  grievous 
wrong, — and  I  suddenly  realise  that  what  I  imagine 
to  be  "  destiny," — [he  lauyhs  hitterly\  the  destiny 
that  so  neai-  did  for  me, — was  merely  a  complicated 
hideous  practical  joke, — then  [passionately \  everything 
within  me, — every  fibre  of  my  manhood, — rise  in 
revolt ! !  .  .  .  But,  1  mean  to  have  the  truth, — and  I 
will  have  it  too— at  any  price  !  [He  paces  up  and 
dov)n.^  .  .  .  I've  already  been  round  to  see  Gro- 
bitzsch —  .  .   . 

Harold. 

[Sp'inginy  U2).~\  Hans ! !  .  .  .  Are  you  otf  your 
head  ? — What's  gained  by  it  ?.  .  . 

Hans. 

The  truth  !  I'm  not  a  puppet  to  be  wirepulled  at 
their  pleasure ;  hocussed, — and  stabbed  in  the  dark 
by  unknown  enemies  !  I  mean  to  live  my  own  life 
in  my  own  way, — and  if 


LOVE'S  CARNIVAL  83 

Harold. 

But  what  did  Gvobitzsch  say — ?  .  .   , 


He  was  out. 


Hans. 
Harold. 


80  then —  .  .  .  ? 

Hans. 
I   left   word   with   his  man   that    I   must  see  him 
instantly, — on  urgent  business.     D'you  suppose  he'll 
come  ?       ... 

Harold. 
He's  bound   to  ?  .  .   .So  you  really  mean  to  risk 
raking  this  whole  thing  up  again  ? — and — in  the  tirst 
weeks  of  your  engagement  ^—  .  .  . 

Hans. 

Most  assuredly  ; — I've  no  option.  Yes,  I  mean  to 
get  this  thing  straight, — and  be  at  peace  with  myself. 
I  mean  to  be  able  to  look  my  Jlancee  in  the  eyes  on 
Shrove  Tuesday,  with  a  clean  conscience,  and  a  quiet 
mind  !   .   .   .  That's  what  /  mean  !   ...  So  now  you 

know. 

Harold. 
(ireat    heavens!    .    .    .    and   this    is  my   doing! — 
Positively,  only  one  thing's  wanting  to  complete  it 
all. 

Hans. 

And  that  is ? 

Harold. 

That  you  should  see  Else  again, — and  have  a 
scene !  .  .   . 

[Hans  bursts  into  mirthless  laiKjlder. 
Why  d'you  laugh  ? 


84  LOVE'S  CARNIVAL 

Hans. 

Because  I  have  seen  her — my  good  man  !  Only  an 
hour  since — I  saw  her.  ...  I  was  coming  from  the 
butts,  and  suddenly  met  her, — face  to  face  ...  If 
you  knew  what  I  felt,  .  .  . 

Harold. 
[llelplessi/.]  Hans ! !  .  .  . 

Hans. 

Well — what  of  it  ? — 1  was  only  too  thankful  for  the 
opportunity. —  .   .  .   Don't  glare  like  that !  .   .  . 

Harold. 

Did  yovi  speak  to  her  ?  .  .  . 

Hans. 

What  d'you  suppose?  —  [Composedlj/  looking  at 
ivatch.l^  And — I'm  going  to  speak  further, — by  your 
leave.  .   .  .  She'll  be  here, — directly. 

Harold. 

[Aghast.]  Wha-at??  .  .  .  Here??  ...  In  Bar- 
racks??? .  .  . 

Hans, 

I  hope  so.  Of  course,  we  couldn't  be  seen  talking 
in  the  street, — so  we'd  only  a  hurried  word,  ...  In 
fact  I'm  not  sure  if  she  spoke  at  all, — I  can't  say  : — 
I  was  too  knocked  over  to  notice.  .  .  .  Any  way,  I 
asked  her  to  come  here — this  evening — and  she  looked, 
"Y^es."'— !  .  .  .  \Defia'idl!j.\  And  damn  it  all — why 
not  ? — I'm  my  own  master  here — ,  .  .  .  and  Ileiniich's 
as  true  as  steel.  .  ,  . 


LOVE'S  CARNIVAL  85 

Harold. 
It's  .  .  .  insanity ! !   .  .   . 

Hans. 

What  is  ?—  .  .  . 

Harold. 

Why — seeing  her  again, — of  course  !  .  .  . 

Hans. 
I  must !  .   .  .  It's  inevitable. 

Harold. 

[Desperately.^  Rot !  !  .  .  .  sAe's  got  over  the  whole 
thing, — months  ago, — you  bet  ! 

Hans. 

Not  she  !  [S■nliUng.^^  .  .  .  You  forget,  I've  seen  her. 
—  ...  No,  no  !  I'm  going  to  have  it  out  with  her. 
I  ought  to  have  done  so — at  the  very  first. 

Harold. 

It's  insanity,  I  tell  you  ! — Granted  the  Rambergs' 
share  in  the  matter  was  indefensible,  and  Grobitzsch 
the  most  infernal  cad  unhung. —  .  .  .  Please  remem- 
ber,— she  was  seen  leaving  his  house  at  five  o'clock  in 
the  morning.   .   ,  . 

Hans. 

[Violently .'\  Well — and  if  she  was!?  .  .  .  I  know 
I'm  doing  the  right  thing —  .  .  .  the  only  thing  !  .  .  . 
Day  and  night  I'm  haunted  by  this  one  horrible 
thought,  this  obsession, — that — that  somehow  it's  all 
a  delusion, — a  monstrous  lie, — and  she — the  thing  I 
love  beyond  very  Life  itself, — the  innocent  victim  of 


86  LOVE'S  CARNIVAL 

it !  ..."  A  mere  white  lie,"  Paul  Ramberg  called  it  ! 
— .  .  .  [Passio7iately.^  Where  can  I  turn  for  tnxth  ?  ? 
.  .  '.  To  whom  but  her  ?  I  know  the  Rambergs' 
version, — so  do  you. — But  she,  .  .  .  my  little  Else, 
.  .  .  never  lied  to  me  in  the  past  !  .  .  .  Why  should 
she  notv  ?  .  :  .  You'd  better  go, — old  mnn  ! —  .   .  . 

Harold. 

No, — I'm  not  going  ;  not  like  this.  Hans — think 
of  your  word  of  honour  to  the  Colonel —  .   .   .  ? 

Hans. 

[Facing  him  squarely.']  I  do  think  of  it  !  ...  I 
gave  him  my  word, —  ...  as  soldier  — and  as  gentle- 
man, .  .   .  that  all  was  over  between  us —  .  .  . 

Harold. 
Well  ...?... 

Hans. 

Well, — so  it  is !  And  so  it'll  remain,  notn, — 
naturally  !  Even  if  she  were  as  innocent  as  a  cliild — 
noio.  .  .  .  [Checking  himself  ahrupth/.]  But  neither 
the  Colonel  nor  any  living  soul  on  earth  has  the  right 
to  come  between  me  and  my  conscience  !  .  .  . 

Harold. 

[Strenuously.]  I  deny  that !  The  Colonel's  free  to 
forbid  you  anything, — and  me  too,  ...  if  it  seems 
good  to  him!  Above  all  [this  mad  resumption  of 
relations  with  a  girl  who- — — 

Hans. 

Who  spoke  of  "  resumption  '"  ? 


LOVE'S  CARNIVAL  87 

Harold. 

[Entreatinybj.]  Hans — lad, — don't  play  the  fool ! — 
Don't  risk  it !  .  .  .  Can't  you  see  the  rocks  ahead  ? 
,  .  .  You  knoio  the  old  love's  still  aching  in  your 
blood  ;  .  .  .  you  know  it !  .  .  .  that  nothing's  really 
changed — as  far  as  you're  concerned  ?  .  .  .  Be  on  your 
guard — dear  boy ! — Be  on  your  guard  ...  I  do  be- 
seech of  you —  .  .  .  ! ! 

[The  door  behind  them  is  opened  quietly — and 
Heinrich  admits  Else  Reimann, — imme- 
diately closing  it  again.  Both  men  turn 
quickly.  Else  starts  on  seeing  Harold — 
and  remains  embarrassedly  at  the  door. 

Hans. 

[Going  toher, — gently.^  Else, — FrJiulein  Ileimann. — 
You— you  remember  Harold  Hofi'man — don't  you  ? 
He's  an  old  friend, — a  real  friend, — so  you  won't  mind 
meeting  him,  like  this  ?  ?  .  .  .  Please  come  in  !  .  .   . 

[Else  slowly  and  diffidently  comes  dotvn. 
She  is  a  refined-looking,  beaiitifid,  dark- 
haired  girl  of  about  two-and-tiventy, 
dressed  very  simply  and  neatly  in  deep 
mourning.  Her  face  is  shadowed  by  a 
little  crape  veil. 

Harold. 

[Going  to  her, — 7)ery  simply  and  cordially.]  Friiulein 
Reimann, — 1, — -well, — I  hope  you'll  believe  Hans 
when  he  calls  me  an  old  fiiend  ?  .  .  .  Won't  you 
shake  hands  with  me  ?  [He  takes  her  hand  in  both  his; 
then, — rather  unsteadily, —  lookiii,g  down  at  her.]  And 
— therefore  .  .  .  forgive  me! — but  yow  won't  be  .  .  .  his 


88  LOVE'S  CARNIVAL 

enemy — will  you??  ...  Can  you  undei'stand  ?  .  .  . 
Don't  be  his  enemy  ! !  .  .  .  Good-bye  !  .  .  .  Good- 
night, Hans. 

[lie  turns  ahrwptly — mid   (joes   straight  oiit. 
There  is  a  long,  sti'ained  pause. 

Hans. 

[Shyh/.^  Won't  you  sit  down  .   .   .  ? 

Else. 

[Veri/  r/uietly.]  No,  thank  you:  ...  I  must  be 
going. 

Hans. 

At  least  you'll  stay  foi-  a  few  minutes, —  .  .  .  won't 
you  ? 

Else, 

[Coming  a  little  fvrther — cenire — puts  ujj  her  veil  ; 
she  is  pale,  and  looks  very  tired.]  Thank  you  :  .  .  I 
oughtn't  to  have  come  at  all —  ...  I'm  ashamed  of 
myself  for  it, — but  [looking  him  straight  in  the  face] 
.   .  .  but  as  you  really  seemed  to  wish  it 

[She  suddenly  notices  the  picture — and  almost 
involimtarily  goes  over  to  it. 

Hans. 

It's  all  horribly  comfortless  and  bare  here, — 
but 

Else. 

[Turning  to  him,  from  picture.]  Is  this  ,  .  .  forgive 
me,  .   .   .  the  lady  you're  engaged  to  ...  ? 

Hans. 

Yes. 


LOVE'S  CARNIVAL  89 

Else. 

\Ttiimi7ig  again  to  it — i^i  absorbed  admi7'ati07i.]  I 
see.  .  .  .  [ib'oftli/.]  i'm  glad  1  know — now,  what  she's 
like.  .  .  . 

Han.s. 

[IIurriedlT/.]  Oh,  please  ...  we  won't  waste  time 
discussing.  .  .  .  [^Sicddenly  pausing ^  ^JZ6~;:;?ecZ.]  .  .  . 
But  how  did  you  know  I  was  engaged — ?  ? 

Else. 
[^Ast07iished.'\  How  did  I  know? 

Hans. 

Yes  ?  [  Vexedly  ]  .  .  .  I  wasn't  aware  it  was  common 
talk  yet !  .  .  . 

Else. 

Common  talk  ?  .  .  .  Not  that  1  know  of. —  But 
then  I  nevei'  see  any  one.   .   .  . 

Hans. 

How  did  you  know  it, — then  ? 

Else. 
Your  cousins,  the  Herrn  von  Ramberg — told  me. 

Hans. 
How  'i — When  did  they  tell  you  ? 

Else. 

[W^ith  a  pitifid  little  sonile.^  Oh  ! —  ...  a  long, 
long  time  ago ! 

Hans. 

A  long  time  ?  Impossible  !  Why — I've  not  been 
back  ten  days.     Have  you — met  them  since  ^  ? 


go  LOVE'S  CARNIVAL 

Else. 
Of  course  not.     How  should  I  meet  them  ? 

Hans. 

[I7iaistently.]  Then  how  could  they  tell  you  ?  .  .  . 
Did  they  lorite  it  ?  .  .  . 

Else. 

No  ! — oh    no !    ...   They'd    told    me   long   before 
that  ... 

Hans. 

[Almost  roughly.^    When  ?  ?  .   .   . 


Else. 

Last  summer, — in  July, — while  you  were  at  Erfurt. 
.  .  .  On  your  birthday. —  .  .  . 

Hans. 

While  I  was  ...  at  Erfurt  ?  .  .  .  But,  my  God ! ! 
.  .  . — I  wasn't  engaged  then, — nor  dreaming  of  it ! 
.  ,  .  Quite  the'reverse, — for  then  .  .  . 

Else. 

Ah  ! !  .  .  .  but  why  trouble  to  deny  it  oiow  ?  It 
was  all  .  .  .  unbearable  enough  then, — your  having 
hidden  it  from  me, — I  mean 

Hans. 

[Losing  control.^  Hidden  it  from  you?  I///  Else! 
.  .  . — Quick, — tell  me  what  you  mean  ?  .  .  .  Did 
the  R-ambergs  actually  tell  you  then  ...  I  was — 
engaged  ?  .  .  . 


LOVE'S  CARNIVAL  91 

Else. 

[Quite  quietly l\  Of  course.  On  your  birthday,  .  .  . 
which  we  kept  at  Lieutenant  Von  Grobitzsch's 
house   .   .    . 

[Hans,  perfectlij  rigid  and  speechless,  stands 
staring  at  her. 

[^Lifting  her  eyes  to  his.~\  I'm  sure  you  didn't  mean 
them  to, — but  there  it  was  .  .  .  Only, — [with  a  sud- 
den flash  of  hitter  scorn  and  resentme7it] — one  thing  I 
want  to  ask  you, — and  that's  the  sole  reason  Avhy 
I'm  here  to-night. — I  want  to  know, — d'you  think, 
honestly  ...  it  was  fair  to  me  ?  .  .  .  Had  I  deserved 
that  .  .  .   ?f 

Hans. 
Else!!  .  .  . 

Else. 

I'd  been  so  faithful  to  you  !  ...  I'd  so  clung  to 
you !  .  .  .  No,  no !  ...  it  wasn't  fair  !— -  .  .  .  I've  no 
"  rights  " — I  know —  ;  I  never  wanted  any  ;  .  .  .  but 
1  didn't  deserve  that .'  .  .  .  If  you'd  only  come  to 
me,  —  yourself, —  and  told  me  it  was  all  over, — 
and — you  wanted  to  be  free  of  me, — I  could  have 
borne  it  ! 

[Hans  sinks  doion,  his  face  hidden  on  his 
arms, — his  frame  shaken  tvith  suppi'essed 
sobs. 

[>She  hesitates  a  moment — then  goes  quickly  to  him 
and  strokes  his  hair— almost  timidly.^  .  .  .  Hans !  ! 
.  ,  .  Don't ! — Don't  !  .  .  .  You  mustn't,  dear !  .  .  . 
Why  worry,  now  ?  .  .  .  It's  all  past  and  over  .  .  . 
Only, — [almost  inandihly'\  ...  at  first  ...  it 
hurt  .   ,   . 


92  LOVE'S  CARNIVAL 

Hans. 

[>Siartin(j  to  his  feet.]  No!  .  .  .  it's  not  over!  .  .  . 
Oh,  those  curs  !  Those  cursed  lying  hounds  !  [Going 
to  her.]  Else — look  at  me !  Look  me  in  the  eyes 
straight !  Listen  !  My  cousins  lied  to  you,  hellishly, 
infamously  !  .  .  .  I  wasn't  engaged,  then  : — no  such 
idea  had  even  crossed  my  mind  !  .  .  .  Do  you  believe 
me — Else  <! 

Else. 

[Shaking  her  head,  hitterhj.]  No. — 

[lie  recoils  a  step. 

Forgive  me,  Hans,  but  they  couldn't  possibly  be  as 
vile  as  that  .  .  .  Besides 

Hans. 

[Passionately.]  They  were  as  vile  as  that — and 
viler  !  Child — can't  you  believe  me  ?  I  swear  to  you 
— by  all  I  hold  sacred  under  Heaven — that  it  was  a 
lie, — and  nothing  but  a  lie — from  end  to  end  !  It's 
not  three  weeks, — all  told, — since  I  engaged  myself, 
...  —  ...  the  other  day,  at  Cologne  ! 

[She   reels   slightly  and  catches  hold  of  the 
table. 

.  .  .  Else !  .  .  .  what's   the    matter  ?  .  .  .  Are   you 

ill  ? 

Else. 

[Faintly.]  Yes, — no,  no  !  .  .  .  I — .  .  .  [She  chdches 
his  arm  involuntarily .  ]  Let  me  sit  down — a  moment, 
.  .  ,  may  I  ?  .  .  . 

[He  leads  her  gently  to  the  sofa. 
Thank  you. 


LOVE'S  CARNIVAL  93 

Hans, 

[Bending  over  her.]  Are  you  faint — dear  ?  Wait ; 
— I'll  get  some  water, — shall  I  ? 

[/She  nods.  Hans  hwries  into  bedroom,  re- 
appearing vjith  a  glass  of  water.  During 
his  mome7itary  absence  she  covers  her  face 
with  her  hands,  but  without  shedding  a 
tear.  In  his  haste,  he  forgets  to  shut  the 
door  on  re-entrance. 

[Tenderli/.]  See  now, — have  a  little  ?  .  .  . 

Else. 

[Drinks  and  hands  back  glass.]  Thank  you, — so 
much.       I'll    sit    quiet    one     moment. — Then — I'll 

go. " 

Hans. 

No,  no !  .  .  .  Stay,  Else, — just  till  you  feel  better, 
— anyway.  You  see,  dear, — it  was  well  you  came, 
for  now  we  both  know  the  worst, — and  realise  how 
shamefully  we've  been  betrayed  !  .  .  .  My  cousins 
lied  to  yovi : — they  swore  to  me — [As  she  looks  at 
him  startled] — but  there  .  .  .  get  (juite  right  again, 
—first!  ...  * 

Else. 

What  did  they  swear  ? 

Enter  Heinricii    hurriedly,   forgetting   to  knock;    he 
goes  to  Hans  and  munmirs  something. 

Hans. 

[Irritablij.]   What;! 


94  LOVE'S  CARNIVAL 

Heinrich. 

[Uncovifortably.l^  Lieutenant  Von  Grobitzsch — sir  : 

he's  waiting 

Else. 
[Springiny  up.]  My  God  ! !  .  .  . 

Hans. 

[Hastilj/.]  Say  I'm  out !  [As  Heinrich  is  going.] 
No, — stop  !  .  .  .  that's  useless, — for,  of  course,  he 
knows  I'm  not —  .  .   . 

Else. 

[In  an  cmguish.]  Oh — let  me  get  away, — some- 
how  

Hans. 

You  can't !  .  .  .  You'd  run  straight  against 
him.    .   .   . 

Else. 
[Losing  her  head.]  Let  me  get  away —  !  !   .  .  . 


Hans. 

Hush!  .  .  .  [Pointing  to  bedroom.]  Run  in  there — 
.   .   .  I'll  get  rid  of  him  directly.  .   .  . 

Else. 

[Shrinking.]  iVof  .   .   .  not  that !  !  .   .  . 

Hans. 

[With  grotoing  agitation.]  Y  on  \\\\xst\  .  .  .  I  entreat 
you  !  .  .  .  Child- — it's  the  only  way  !  He  mustn't  see 
you !  [Feverishly.]  I  tell  you,  I'll  get  rid  of  him 
directly ! 


LOVE'S  CARNIVAL  95 

Elsb. 

[Vehemently.^  No — /  v:ont!  !  .  .  .  I  can't  I !  .  .  . 
Let  me  get  away  .   .   .  ! — 

Hans. 

Else — I  implore  you  !  !   .  .  .  For  my  sake — ?  ?  .  .  . 

[She  (jives  him  one  awift  searching  look,  then 
without  another  word  turns  and  goes  into 
bedroom. 

Hans. 

[Closing  the  door,  with  a  long  breath.^  Show  the 
Lieutenant  in, — Heinrich.  .   .   . 

[Heinrich  goes  off. 
Von  Grobitzsoh  strolls  in,  faxdtlessly  smart  as  usual. 
— After  a  brief  comprehensive   glance  round  the 
room,  he  nods  coolly  to  Hans. 

Grobitzsch. 
Good  evening, — Rudorff. 

Hans. 

[Frozenly.^  Good  evening. — 

Grobitzsch. 

You've  been  lound  to  my  place,  I  bear  ?  Sony  to 
luive  missed  you.  .   .  . 

Hans. 

[Curtly,  signing  to  a  chair.]  Won't  you  sit  down  ? 

Grobitzsch 

[Sealing  himself,  languidly.]  Thanks.  .  .  .  [Adjusts 
eyeglass,  and  takes  another  leisicrely  survey  of  the  roo^u.] 
H'ni. — Rather   bare, — but   you're    quite    right    not 


96  LOVE'S  CARNIVAL 

bothering  to  furnish —  .  .  .  Why  should  you?  .  .  . 
After  all,  it's  only  temporary, — as  far  as  you're  con- 
cerned—  .  ,  .  By  the  way — I  hear  your  father-in- 
law  elect's  in  treaty  for  Graf  von  Bauden's  villa  ? 

Hans. 
[Frigidh/.]  Really  ?  .  .  .  I  hadn't  heard. 

Grobitzsch. 

Dear  me  !  .  .  .  perhaps  it  was  meant  for  a  surprise. 
.  .  .  Hope  I'm  not  giving  away  state  secrets  ?  I  beg 
your  pardon,  though;  you  wanted  to  see  me  on  a 
matter  of  business — ? —  ... 

Hans. 

Yes.  It's  good  of  you  to  come  so  promptly.  .  .  . 
It  is  a  matter  of  business, — and  one  conceining  me, — 
2)ersoncdlf/, — very  seriously.   .   .  . 

Grobitzsch. 

[Blandly.]  .  .  .   Indeed — ? 

Hans. 

You  may  remember,  possibly, — that  on  a  certain 
occasion, — last  summer, — immediately  after  my  re- 
turn from  Erfurt — I  called  on  you, — and  asked  for 
information  respecting — respecting  a  young  woman  I 
was  interested  in,   .   .   .  a — Fraulein  Reimann — ? 

(JnOHTTZSOn. 

Certainly — ?  .  .   . 

Haxs. 

Well,  you  positively  refused  to  give  me  any  enlight- 
enment .   .   .  then —  .  .   . 


LOVE'S  CARNIVAL  97 

Grobitzsch. 
Did  I  ?— 

Hans. 
[Ominoushj.]  Yes. 

Grobitzsch. 

[Cahnhj.]  Well —and— ?  .  .  . 

Hans. 

I  respected  your  silence  then, — [loith  a  short  lavc/h] 
being  aware  that  under  no  ciicumstances  Avhatsoever 
could  i/ott  be  capable  of  an  indiscretion 

Grobitzsch. 

[Quickly.]  Indiscretion  ?  How  ?  ...  Ah  !  1  see 
what  you  mean.  .  .  .  [Smilhu/  complacently.]  But  all 
the  same — you  mustn't  accredit  me  with  such  fine 
feelings,  my  dear  Rudorfl". — Everything  in  its  right 
proportion. —  ...  It  wasn't  as  if  it  were  any  ques- 
tion of — a  lady, — a  woman  of  one's  own  class  ;  .  .  . 
just  a  casual  nobody  ;  and  really  to  be  honest,  I  never 
gave  the  affair  a  second  thought.  Besides,  my  dear 
boy, — [Fixing  him  coolly  and  deliberately]  I'm  not 
used  to  rendering  account  of  myself  and  my  doings! .  .  . 

Hans. 

[With  ill- suppressed  hatred.]  I  see  ! — Nevertheless, 
— Lieutenant  von  Grobitzsch, — I  repeat  my  demand 
to  you  to-day.  Who  am  I, — as  you  say, — to  call  you 
to  account  ?  .  .  .  But, — I'm  in  possession  of  certain 
facts  now,  which  throw  a  new  light  altogether  on  the 
matter.  Briefly,  I've  learnt  fiom  my  cousins,  the 
Rambergs — on  their  own  confession, — their  share  in 
this  infamous  plot  to  cause  a  breach  between  myself 
^and  the  girl  in  question. 

(J 


98  LOVE'S  CARNIVAL 

Grobitzsch. 

[I)ista')iiIi/.'\  Indeed  ? 

Hans. 

Yes  !  !  .  .  .  a  plot  that  succeeded  admirably  too, — 
thanks  to  your  kind  assistance !  Tell  me  frankly, 
were  the  details  of  this — this  enterprising  scheme — 

known  to  you  1 

Grobitzsch. 

[Rising,  disdcdnfulh/.'\  Ilerr  RudorfF, — I've  already 
informed  you  that  I  decline  positively  to  be  cross- 
questioned, — by  you — or  any  man  alive  ! 

Hans. 

But,  nevertheless,  you  were  perfectly  aware  of  my 
relations  with  the  girl  ? —  .  .  . 

Grobitzsch, 

[Incisively  mid  hauyhtily  J\  Herr  Lieutenant 
Rudorft', — I  came  here  to  oblige  you  ; — not  to  be 
called  to  account  by  one  of  my  juniors. 

Hans. 

Yes,  yes,  but  at  this  moment  we  stand  here  as 
comrades,  surely  ; — brother  officers,  and  you'll  admit 
that  in  such  a  matter  your  official  tone  is  misplaced  ? 

Grobitzsch. 

[With  rising  anger ^^  Whether  as  brother  officers  or 
not — I  warn  you,  Rudorff — I'll  have  no  dictation  or 
damned  impertinence  from  you, — so  pick  your  words ! 

Hans. 

[ Frantically. '\     But, — God's    mercy! — there    are 


LOVE'S  CARNIVAL  99 

things  which  can  only  be  taken  from  a  human  stand- 
point. .  .  . 

Grobitzsch. 

^Pulling  him  up  sha^'plj/.]  Rot !  Drivelling  self- 
delusion  !  You'd  better  reserve  such  fine  sentiments 
for  your  inspired  moments  ;  your  rhyming,  and  your 
piano  strumming ;  either  a  man's  a  soldier,  or  he 
isn't. 

Hans. 

Possibly ;  but  I'm  a  human  being  before  all  else. 

Grobitzsch. 

Look  here,  Rudorif,  I've  had  enough  of  this.  .  ,  . 
Drop  your  diatribes  and  bluster ;  .  .  .  heroics  don't 
suit  you  ! — After  all,  what  the  devil  do  you  mean  by 
questioning  me — -at  all  ? —  .  .  .  Do  you  suppose  / 
condescend  to  trouble  my  head  one  way  or  another 
about  your  precious  cousins, — and  their  piffling  back- 
stairs machinations  ? — What  d'you  take  me  for —  ?  ? 
I 

Hans. 

[Searchingli/.'\  Then — you  didn't  know  .  .  .  the 
facts  ?  ? 

Grobitzsch. 

^Beyond  patience^]  What  I  knew,  or  didn't  know, — 
is  my  concern  alone  !  The  main  point  is — the  pre- 
posterous attitude  you  yourself  assume  about  this 
trumpery  episode.  .  .  . 

Hans. 

Trumpery  episode — ?  !  .  .  .   Why, — I — I — 

Grobitzsch. 
\Cu,rthj.'\    Don't    interrupt ! — You're    engaged,    I 


100  LOVE'S  CARNIVAL 

understand  ?  Under  the  circumstances,  d'you  con- 
sider it  prudent — and  good  taste  on  your  part,  to  re- 
vive this  defunct  discreditable  amour  ?  [lie  shrugs  his 
shoulders.^  ...  To  me  it's  incomprehensible  ! ! 

Hans. 
To  you — ? — Very  likely  ! —  .  .  . 

Grobitzsch. 

[Unheeding,  raising  his  voice,  emphatically.]  And 
after  all — what's  the  girl  to  you?  Let  her  go  her 
ways, — boy  !  They're  all  of  a  piece — that  class !  .  .  . 
[with  a  short  laugh.]  She's  been  a  visitor  at  my  house 
.  .  .  and  who  knows  or  cares  where  else,  .  .  .  But 
what  did  you  expect, — from  a  woman  of  that  trade  ? 

[There  is  a  stifled  inarticidate  cry  from  the 
bedroom. 

[Hans  makes  an  involuntary  movement  toirards 
the  door.  (Jrobitzsch  adjusts  his  eyeglass, 
looks  round  and  rises. 

What  was  that  ?  ?   .   .  . 

[Else,  oj)ening  the  door  slovly,  comes  straight 
on  to  the  threshold;  she  stands  a  moment, 
deathly  pale, staring  fixedly  at  Grobitzsch  : 
then — the  tvords  wrung  from  her  as  if  by 
torture. 

Else. 

You  .  .  .  you've  .  .  .  worse  than  .  .  .  ■  murdered 
me.  .  .  . 

Grobitzsch. 

[Saluting  ironically.]  I —  .  .  .  wasn't  aware —  .  .  . 


LOVE'S  CARNIVAL  loi 

Else. 

[Gathering  strength,  her  eyes  still  fastened  on  him.'\ 
You  know.  ...  at  any  rate — that  I've  nothing  to 
hide  !— 

Grobitzsch. 

[Laughing  sarcasticalli/.]  Curious, — meeting  like 
this, — isn't  it  ?  .  .  .  Though  really  not  as  unex- 
pected.  .  .   . 

Hans. 

Lieutenant  von  Grobitzsch — !  .  .  . 

Grobitzsch. 
[Turning  to  Awvi.]  .   .  .  Congratulations ! 

Hans. 

[Tenseli/.]  Lieutenant  von  Grobitzsch  —  we've 
nothing  more  to  say  to  each  other  ! — [Signing  to  the 
door. 

Grobitzsch. 

[Dravnng  himself  u]-) — fairly  roused  and  surprised, 
dropping  his  ci/nicism.\  Lieutenant  Rudorff — ?  .  .   . 

[They  confront  each  other  a  inoment  in  silence. 

You  shall  hear  from  me  ! — 

[With  a  slight  ironical   salute  to  Else,    he 
turns  and  saunters  out. 

Hans. 

[Stmggling  to  master  himself,  turns  to  Else  with 
passionate  ajmlogy.^  Else — ! !  .  .  .  never  mind  !  .  .  . 
He — he's  gone, — dear  heart !  .  .  .  Forget  it — Else  ! ! 
and  forgive  me  !  ...  It  was  too  horrible — child, — 
you  in  there,   forced   to   overhear —  .  .  .  but  what 


102  LOVE'S  CARNIVAL 

could  I  do  ?     I  was  helpless.  ...  It  seems  I'm  not 
even  master  of  my  own  rooms  ! — 

Else. 

[^Terror  struchP\  Hans — what  have  I  done?  .  .  . 
He  oughtn't  to  have  seen  me ! —  .  .  .  Some  awful 
trouble's  bound  to  come  of  it  .  .  .  or — woi'se !  .  .  . 
but — it — it  was  so — so — hideous.  .  .  .  \_She  covers  her 
face. 'I 

Haxs. 

[Laughing  miser ahlijj]  That's  right !  .  .  .  C!o  on  ! 
.  .  .  Go  on !  blame  yourself  for  everything,  as  usual ! 
What  next — I  wonder  !...?... 

Else. 
Hadn't  I  better  go  now —   .   .  .  ?  ?  — 

Hans. 

[Firmly^  No  !  .  .  .  Stay.  We're  going  to  have 
one  moment,  dear — together, — in  peace — before  you 
go.  We've  so  many,  many  things  to  say  to  each 
other  ; — and  then — •  .  .  .  Else  .  .  .  Look  at  me? 
Yes — !  !  I  believe  it,  ,  .  .  knoiv  it,  now  ! — You're 
all  mine, —  .  .  .  just  the  same !  .  .  .  —  .  .  .  But 
all  the  rest  is — lies  !  .  .  .  They've  lied  and  lied, — and 
now — you're  the  only  Faith  that's  left  to  me  !   .  .   . 

Else. 
YTreimdously.^  Thank  you  ,  .   .  Hans, 

Hans. 

[Taking  her  hands.'\  .  .  .  Else,  .  .  .  Child  ! — don't 
shiver  so  !  .  .  .  —  What  is  it  ?  Are  you  cold, — 
dear  ? 


LOVE'S  CARNIVAL  103 

\_She  shakes   her  head ;  he  continues  ivith  a 
sudden  catch  in  his  voice. 

Why,  now — I  look  at  you,  I   see  you're    in  deep 
mourning. —  [  Very  gently.^  For  whom —  ?  .  .   . 

Else. 

^Raising   her    eyes    to    his.'\   Mother ; —  .  .  .  last 
Christmas. 

Hans. 

\Loohing  aivay  from  her. '\  The — mother?  .  .  .  \]Vith 
effort.^  .   .  .  Then — then    you're    all     alone    now, — 


t 


Yes 


Else. 


\^A  longish  pause. 

She  died  so  peacefully  ; — like — falling  asleep. — [Zfer 
voice  breaks — then  vnth  sudden  effort, — bracing  herself, 
concentratedly.^  Listen,  Hans :  now — .  .  .  1  must  tell 
you  what — I've  got  to  tell  you  .  .  .  before  we  part. — 
...  I  never  meant  to  say  it — dear ; — I  thought  you 
were  sick  and  tired  of  me, — and — and,  .  .  .  wanted 
to  be  free  .  .  .  but  weren't  brave  enough  to  say  so. 
.  .  .  So, — my  stupid  pride  revolted,  .  .  .  and  choked 
me — somehow.  .  .  .  JJut  now  I  understand  every- 
thing. That  it's  been  nothing  but  lying  and  betrayal ; 
— and  I've  heard  too  what  they  think  of  ?He.— Now,— 
I'll  tell  you  all.  .  .  .  For  the  first  few  days  after  you 
left — your  cousins  were  very  good  to  me  ...  as 
they'd  promised  you  to  be.   .  .  .  We  met  occasionally, 

in  the  garden  at  Pauli's,  where  we  used  to  go, — 

we  two  ; — it  was  so  blessed  to  have  somebody  to  whom 
I  could  speak  of  you — quite  freely.  .  .   .   \\'cll,  then 


104  LOVE'S  CARNIVAL 

your  birthday  came, — and  we  arranged  to  have  a  day 
out — in  honour  of  it — somewhere,  but  it  was  such  bad 
weather  that  we  had  to  give  it  up.  .  .  .  That  same 
day  I'd  a  note  from  your  cousin  Peter,  proposing  I 
should  come  to  a  little  informal  party — given  by  a 
great  friend  of  youivs, — Lieutenant  von  GJrobitzsch, — 
at  his  house. —  ...  I  refused  point  blank  at  first, 
but  your  cousins  urged  me, — said  you'd  be  vexed  if  I 
didn't  go  ; —  ...  so  I  gave  way,  and  went.  [A7ne 
pauses — looking  into  his  face  ivith  ivistful  enqim'i/.].  .  . 
Was  it  wrong  of  me  ? — 

[He  shakes  his  head. 

.  .  .  Well,  on  ai-rival,  I  was  astonished  to  find  supper 
ready — at  once, — and  no  other  women  there.  .  .  . 
Everything  was  very  smart  .  .  .  dear ; — heaps  of 
lovely  fruit, — and  champagne— by  the  dozen  ; — but 
the  Herrn  Ramberg  laughed  at  me ;  .  .  .  they  said 
Lieutenant  von  Grobitzsch  always  "did  things" 
Avell. —  .  .  .  Then  we  had  supper,  and  he  was  very 
kind,  and  we  all  enjoyed  ourselves.  .  .  .  They  drank 
your  health  again  and  again. — .  .  .  And  your  cousins 
began  teasing  me ;  they  said  you  wei'e  unfaithful  to 
me  .  .  .  and  all  sorts  of  chaff; — of  course  I  only 
laughed  at  them  .  .  .  One  of  them  asked  me  if  I'd 
ever  thought  of  your  marrying, — and  ..."  What 
then  ?  " — Of  course  I'd  thought  of  it — I  said,  .  .  . 
but  I  wasn't  going  to  worry  about  it  yet.  [Her  voice 
breaks  motnentariJy.'\  You  see  I  felt  so  safe  in  my 
great  love  !  .  .  .  Anyway — I  said — I  wasn't  going  to 
meet  troubles  half  way:  .  .  .  and  .  .  .  and  [Hesi- 
tatingly— her  face  averted.^  I  began  to  get  very  excited, 
— the  wine  had  gone  to  my  head, —  .  .  .  and  I'm 
afraid  I  talked  all  sorts  of  nonsense.  .  .  .  Then  sud- 
denly your  cousin  Peter  got  up  veiy  seriously, — and 


LOVE'S  CARNIVAL  105 

said  they'd  asked  me  there  that  night  to  "  prepare  " 
me  for  a  shock  .  .  .  That  I  must  know  it  was  bound 
to  come, — sooner  or  later  ,  .  .  and  that  now  they  all 
looked  to  me  to  be  a  sensible  girl,  and — not  get  in 
your  way, — and  make  things  harder  for  you  .  .  . 
And  a  lot  more  ...  I  can't  remember  what  .  .  . 
Evei-ything  suddenly  spun  round  me  .  .  .  my  head 
simply  went — altogether,  .  .  .  and  when  he'd  done 
speaking  ...  I  laughed  out  like  a  maniac,  ...  I 
believe,  .  .  .  still  thinking  it  was  all  a  kind  of 
frightful  joke  .  .  .  But — when  I  looked  at  them  .  . 
I  saw  it  wasn't  ...  I  only  know  I  went  into  a  dead 
faint  .  .  .  then  into  a  horrible  lethargic  sleej)  ...  a 
deep  deep  sleep  .  .  .  [S'he  2)ciiises  and  shudders. 

Haxs. 

[Very  'jentli/, — laying  his  haiul  on  hers.^  And  .  .  . 
then  ? 

Else. 

Then — I  suddenly  awoke  .  .  .  Somebody  laughed 
loud,  .  .  .  Grobitzsch,  I  think  .  .  .  and  it  woke  uie. 
...  It  was  five  o'clock.  Somebody'd  pub  a  cushion 
under  my  head  and  thrown  a  rug  over  me.  .  .  .  The 
Rambergs  and  Grobitzsch  and  another  officer  whom 
I  didn't  know — were  playing  cards.  .  .  .  When  I 
staggered  up — and  faced  them  .  .  .  they  stopped 
laughing  :  .  ,  I  couldn't  speak  .  .  .  I  just  turned  and 
went.  .  .  .  Outside  it  was  glorious  .  .  ,  the  .  .  . 
dew,  .  .  ,  and  all  the  birds.  ...  I  felt  like  a  dead 
thing.   .  .   . 

[There  is  a  lony  silence ;  then  she  rises,  firm 
and  concentrated. 

Yes,  Hans, — it  was  .  .  .  like  that.  I'm  hiding  nothing 


io6  ,  LOVE'S  CARNIVAL 

from  you  .  .  .  nothing, — nothing !  This  is  God's 
truth,  as  sure  as  I've  loved  you, — and  been  faithful  to 
you, —  .  .  .  and  ever  shall  be, — to  the  end  !   .  .  . 

\^He  covers  his  face  with  his  hands. 

That  evening  I  went  to  Church ; — and  I  knelt  on, 
long,  in  the  dusk,  praying  God  to  forgive  me, — for 
breaking  His  commandment.  .  .  .  For  our  love  had 
been  sinful, — through  my  fault,  .  .  .  and  I  knew  it 
was  my  punishment. — 

[Hans  laughs  bitterly. 

Don't  laugh,  Hans  !     Don't  laugh ! — it  was  so  !  .  .  . 

Hans. 

Else  ! — I've  never  interfered  with  your  belief, — it's 
sacred  to  me  .  .  .  but,  child  !  .  .  .  the  good  God  would 
never  use  a  common  villainy  as  ...  as  a  punish- 
ment !  .  .  .  Oh  !  why — ?«%  didn't  you  write — ?  ?  .   .  . 

Else. 

Because  the  same  thought  came  to  me  then  as  to 
your  friend — Herr  Hoffman,  just  now.  .  .  .  Some- 
thing kept  echoing  in  my  ears  "  Don't  be  his  enemy  ! 
.  .  .  don't  be  his  enemy ! ! — he  willed  it  to  be  .  .  . 
like  this  "  !  .  .  .  And  when  my  rage,  and  pain,  and — 
misery  got  me  under  utterly, — because  you'd  not  come 
yourself, — but  had  left  it  to  strangers  to  break  it  to 
me, — my  pride  conquered  me — and  left  me  fi"ozen. 
.   .  .  —  ...  That's  why  I've  been  silent  all  this  time. 

Hans. 

Theydid  it  cleverly — didn't  they?  .  .  .  Howthey've 
understood  and  reckoned  with  my  wrctclied  tempera- 


LOVE'S  CARNIVAL  107 

ment, — toaT!  .  .  .  My  pride, — my  morbid  sensitive- 
ness .  .  .  And  now  they  think  me  fairly  in  their 
toils  ! — they  think —  .  .  .  but  everything's  clear  now, 
— and  thanks  to  you  !  ! 

[He  goes  to  her,  and  is  about  to  take  her  in 

his  arms. 
[She  repulses  him  tvith  a  quick  tender  little 
gesture,  amd  gives  both  her  hands. 

Else. 

And  I  thank  you, — Hans  .  .  .  that  you  believe  me, 
dear. 

Hans. 

\Almost  inarticulately,  trying  to  draw  her  to  Aim.] 
And  .  .  .  now — ?  .  .  . 

Else. 

[Smiling  bravely  and  pitifully  up  into  his  eyes.] 
Now, —  ...  I  must  go !  [Freeing  her  hands  gently 
but  firmly.^  Good-bye,  Hans. 

Hans. 

[With  a  cry.]  Else!!?  .  .  . 

Else. 

[Shaken,  struggling  to  master  Iter  rising  anguish.] 
Hush  ! !  .  .  .  Dear, —  .  .  .let  me  go ! !  I'm  not — 
.   .   .  I'm  not  .  .  .  your  enemy !   .   .  . 

Hans. 

[Passion- shaken,  breaking  down.]  No!  No!!  .  .  . 
love — !     You're  my  Else !  .  .  . 


io8  LOVE'S  CARNIVAL 

[With  a  great  sob  she  flinys  her  arms  about 
him,  hut  as  he  snatches  her  to  Idra,  she 
starts  back  from  him. 

Else. 
No ! ! ! 

[Sobbing,  she  wrests  herself  free,  and  hurries 
out  sioifthj,  ivithout  daring  to  look  back. 

Hans. 

[About  to  follou)  her,  checks  himself — and  stands 
motionless,  looking  after  her.]  They  shall  pay  for  it ! 
.  .  .  They — shall  pay !  !   .  .   . 


Curtain. 


THE   FOURTH   ACT 


Scene. — The  same  as  the  two  jyi'cceding  Acts.  It  is 
late  afternoon,  on  the  Sunday  in  Carnival  Week. 
The  last  rays  of  a  red  February  sunset  slant  in 
tJirough  the  v)indow,  lighting  up  the  opposite  wall 
with  a  flickering  ruddy  glow.  A  couple  of  crimson 
silk  dominoes  are  flung  carelessly  over  the  easel, — 
temporarily  eclipsing  the  portrait  upon  it. 

Hans,  in  civilian  clothes,  is  seated  at  the  2^i((no  in  the 
semi-tivilight.  He  has  been  ptlaying,  and  the 
curtain  rises  upon  a  few  last  fitful  chords.  He 
breaks  off,  with  a  long  sigh;  pnits  his  hand  on  the 
lid  of  the  jnano,  and  rests  his  head  wearih/  on  his 
arm.  There  is  a  sudden  peremptory  knock,  and 
before  he  can  reply  Hakold  enters  quickly,  and 
looks  round  hiqtiiringly .  He  sees  Hans  and  goes 
to  him. 

Harold. 

\]Vith  CMiggerated  cheerf/dvess.^  Hans!  .  .  .  Yoii 
scoundrel — what's  up?  Skulking  here  like  this  !  .  .  . 
in  your  own  rooms  !  'Pon  my  soul  I  couldn't  see  you, 
— at  first.  Well,  how  goes  it  ?  [Laughing.]  .  .  . 
You  might  have  the  common  decency  to  say  "  Good 
evening." 


LOVE'S  CARNIVAL 


Hans. 


\^Raising  his  head  languidly, — giving  his  hand.] 
Good  evening — Harold. 

Harold. 

Come  .  .  .  sliut  up  your  musty  old  piano,  lad,  and 
come  into  the  air !  Why — what  the  devil !  .  .  . 
grizzling  here  like  this, — Carnival  Sunday  and  all, — 
and  such  a  heavenly  evening !  Come  out  of  it !  [He 
drags  him  forcibly  from  the  music-stool  and  up  to  the 
loindoio.]  Come  to  the  light !  [//e  flings  the  ivhidov) 
wide  open.]  There  —  you  damned  old  anchorite, 
breathe  that  !  Can't  you  smell  the  Spring  ?  .  .  .  It's 
glorious ! 

Hans. 

[Looking  out.]  What — ?  .  .  .  the  parade  ground  ? 
— Yes,  isn't  it  ? — looking  its  best !  .   .  . 

Harold. 

.  .  .  Parade  ground  ! ! — See  there,  man  !  Look  at 
the  lime  trees  over  there — by  the  old  wall, — and  the 
delicate  outline  of  the  red  twigs — against  the  sunset  ?  ! 
.  .  .  Beautiful !  .  .  .  [He  turns  brusquely  and  looks 
into  Hans' ybtce, — laying  his  hands  on  his  shtndders.] 
Hans — I'm  worried  about  you.  What's  amiss  now- — 
eh  ?  .  .  .  The  old  story,  I  suppose  ?  Tell  me — ?  Spit 
it  out,  lad !  .  .  .  it'll  do  you  good.  You've  not  shown 
your  face  in  the  mess  for  days — and  of  course  that's 
noticed.  .  .  .  And  the  minute  you're  free,  they  say 
you're  glued  to  the  piano, — playing — ?  .  .  . 

Hans. 

[Apathetically.]  Well, — that  doesn't  hurt  anybody, 
.   .  .  does  it  ? 


LOVE'S  CARNIVAL  in 

Harold. 

[Impatientli/.]  Of  course  not.  But  you  must  really 
pull  yourself  together  .  ,  .  Gad  !  why  every  man  of 
us, — one  time  or  another,  is  bound  to  have  things  like 
that  to  face !  .  .  .  And  we  must  all  be  prepared  to 
make  sacrifices, — if  we've  anything  to  saci"ifice,  that 
is, — to  our  profession, — or  position, — as  the  case  may 
be.  .   .  .   Do  you  imagine  my  lot's  been  different  ? 

Hans. 
Yours  ? 

Harold. 

Yes,  mine.  D'you  suppose  I  went  soldiering  in 
Africa  for  fun  ? 

Hans. 
What  ?— 

Harold. 

It's  an  old  story — and  a  dull  one ;  it'll  keep. 

Hans. 

No — tell  it  me  now.  One  never  knows  when — 
when  we  may  have  another  opportunity. 

Harold. 

Well — it's  not  worth  boring  you  with. — It  was 
merely  a  sordid  monetary  affair — to  start  with —  .  .  , 
Since  you've  known  me — Hans — I've  always  been  well 
off. 

Hans. 

Yes.  \]Vith  effort.^  I'm  afraid  I — I  .  .  .  still  owe 
you  a  bit. — 

Harold. 

Yllarrie.dljj.'\  My  dear  old  boy,  for  Heaven's  sake 


1J2  LOVE'S  CARNIVAL 

don't  refer  to  that  /  .  .  .  Nonsense ! !  .  .  .  All  I 
meant  was — I  had  to  mention  this,  because,  in  my 
young  days  it  was  very  different.  Ten  years  ago  I 
was  a  pauper.  I'd  no  relations  save  one  rich  aunt, 
widow  of  a  wine  merchant, — and  not  a  cent  to  my 
name — except  what  she  allowed  me.  Well,  I  was 
devoted — body  and  soul  devoted,  to  a  girl,  daughter 
of  a  professor, — as  poor  as  I  of  course, — bvit  whom  I 
determined  to  marry.  But  the  aunt  put  down  her 
foot — and  swore  if  I  did — she'd  cut  me  out  of  her 
will.  In  other  circumstances  this  would  have  made 
no  odds  .  .  .  but  I  was  a  soldier, — desperately  keen 
on  my  profession, — and  naturally  I  couldn't  marry 
without  an  assured  income  of  some  sort,  however 
small 

Hans. 

So — you  volunteered  for  foreign  service  ? 

Harold. 

Yes.  .  .  .  When  I'd  been  in  Africa  two  years  the 
aunt  died  suddenly — leaving  me  everything.  I  rushed 
home  at  once,  to  find  my  adored  Elizabeth  comfortably 
married  to  a  .  .  .  vet !  .  .  .  Prosaic  finale — eh  ?  .  .  . 
It  fairly  knocked  me  out  for  a  bit,  but  there  it  was ! 
.  .  .  These  things  will  happen — ■  ,  .  .  and  when  they 
do,  a  man  must  just  buck  up  and  get  his  back  against 
the  wall, — and  face  'em  ! :  that's  all.  That's  what  I 
did, — and  what  you've  got  to  do  now. 

[Hans     considers     him    thoughtfully,    then 
laugJis. 

What's  there  to  laugh  at  ?  ...  I  fail  to  see  the 
humour. 


LOVE'S  CARNIVAL  113 

Hans. 

[Lai(,(jhiii(/  cKjain^  loith  yenuine  irresistible  mirth.^ 
Do  you  ?  Forgive  me,  dear  old  Harold,  but  somehow 
it  tickles  me  .  .  .  the  idea  of  your  fortuitous  deliver- 
ance from  an  eternity  with  the  excellent  Elizabeth  ! 
.  .  .  The  gods  favoured  you  ! !  .  .  .  you  should  give 
pi-aise  ! !  .  .  .  \^He  laughs  acjccin. 

Harold. 

[I'horoughli/  annoy edi\  .  .  .  That  comes  gracefully 
from  you,  I  mvist  say  ! — 

Hans. 

Why  ?  .  .  .  I'm  forgetting : — you — you  don't  know 
yet—  .  .   . 

Hahuj.d. 

[Caicsticalli/.]  What? — Oh,  of  course!  She's  a 
snovvflake, — isn't  she  ?  The  saintliest  martyr  under 
Heaven, — eh  ?     You've  had  her  version, — naturally  ? 

Hans. 

[Impertarbably.]  i  have.  And  it's  the  true  one. 
Hut  thats  neither  hei'e  nor  there, — now.  .  .  .  Look 
here,  Harold,  what  course  would  you  take  with  a  man, 
;i  brother  officer  for  instance,  who'd  betrayed  you, — 
injured  you —  ...  to  the  very  core? 

Harold. 
[Crci'tly.]  Call  him  out,  and  shoot  him. 

Hans. 

Precisely  !  [Suavely.]  It  is  the  simplest  remedy, 
isn't  it  ?  Well,  now, — as  my  friend — do  me  a  favour, 
will  you  ?     Find   me  a  second,  Moritz — or  Benno, — 

u 


114  LOVE'S  CARNIVAL 

whom  you  like  .   .   .  Then  go  to  my  cousins,  on  my 
behalf, — and  Grobitzsch, — and  arrange  things  for  me. 

Harold. 

[StariiKj  at  him  cKjhasi.]  Hans  !  ! — why — it's — im- 
possible !   .  .   .  You  know  it !   .   .   . 

Hans. 

[Bursting  into  strident  laughter.]  I  thought  as 
much  !  —  "  impossible  "  —  and  I  "  know  "  it !  Of 
course  I  know  it  !  I  know  the  fashionable  code, — 
your  ordinary  mans  code,  in  these  matters !  .  .  . 
What  the  Colonel  and  the  Senior  Major  and  all  the 
Mess  would  have  to  say  about  it — if  asked  their  opinion. 
...  "A  duel, — and  apropos  of  a  girl  of  that  class?  ! 
.  .  .  Gentlemen  don't  meet  over  affairs  of  that  kind  ! 
It's  not  done  ! "  .  .  .  But  let  any  third-rate  little 
slut  of  an  officer's  daughter  be  as  much  as  looked 
askance  at,  however  shady  her  reputation,  then 
there's  the  devil  to  pay, — and  bullets  Hying  galore  ! ! 
But  "  a  gii'l  of  that  class  " — no  !  A  harmless,  helpless 
thing  like  my  poor  Else,— .  .  .  thiit's  another  matter. 
Hhe's  no  position  to  lose  !  Not  she !  ...  So  I'm  to 
leave  her, — defenceless  utterly,  against  any  brute  who 
chooses  to  defame  her  and  tiing  mud  at  her  !  .  .  . 
Those  curs !  .  .  .  those  lying,  cursed  devils !  .  .  . 

Harold. 

Hans !  .  .  .  for  Heaven's  sake,  don't  rave  like 
that  ! 

Hans. 

\(joes  to  the  whtdow,  aiul  stands  ivith  his  back  to 
Harold.     After   a    pause— mastering    himself, — half 


LOVE'S  CARNIVAL  115 

turuiny,  he  (juotes.]  "There  lies  the  world:   .   .   ,   the 
world  they  say  is  thine."  ... 

Harold. 
What  ?  .  .  .  What  d'you  say—? 

Hans. 

Nothing!  [Coming  dovm  to  Harold.]  Nothing, — 
old  man.  Look  here, — have  a  glass  of  champagne  or 
something  with  me,  will  you  ?     Just  for  luck  ? 

Harold. 

[Smiling  involuntarily.']  Well,  if  it'll  make  you 
better  company, — .  .  .  I  don't  mind. 

Hans. 

[Going  to  the  door,  calls  off.]  Heinrich  ! — 

Heinrich. 
[Off.]  Sir-? 

Hans. 

Bring  a  bottle  of  Pommery  from  the  Mess — will 
you  ?  Look  sharp !  .  .  .  Wait  a  minute ! — two 
bottles, — and  three  glasses. 

Heinrich. 
[Of.]  Very  good,  sir. 

Harold. 
Why  three  ? 

Hans. 

[Laughing.]  Why  not  ?  '*  To  make  me  better  com- 
pany ! "  Damn  it — old  sinner —  D'you  know,  .  .  . 
after  all  I  don't  believe  I'm  in  such  bad  form  this 


ii6  LOVE'S  CARNIVAL 

evening  ?     Only  a  bit  unstable,  .  .   .  unreliable,  and 
cursed  inclined  to  .   .  .  but  there !   .  .  . 

Harold. 

...  Do  stop  that  rot,  and  look  at  the  thing 
squarely — for  Heaven's  sake  ! 

Hans. 

[Seriousli/.]  That's  just  what  I  am  doing. 

Harold. 

[Bogyedhj.]  No,  you  aren't.  Your  hanging  on  to 
the  past- — .  .  .  hugging  yourself  in  it, — and  all  its 
useless  misery  and  worry, — instead  of  flinging  the 
whole  thing  from  you  .  .  .  and — and  calmly  bracing 
yourself  to  meet  your  duties  day  by  day. 

Heinrich  enters   loith   two  bottles  of  champagne 
and  glasses. 

Hans. 

Bravo  !  Heinrich  !  .  .  .  Here's  consolation  !  [Tak- 
ing the  bottles  from  him.^  Put  the  glasses  down  and 
take  this  :  here's  a  good  tip  for  you  !  [Forcing  monei/, 
into  his  hand.^  Ofl'  Avith  you,  and  keep  your  Carnival. 

Heinrich. 

[Looking  at  (he  gold  in  his  palm.'\  Thank  you,  sir. 

TTans. 

[LaughingI]  Get  out ! 

[Heinrich  grins  and  goes  out. 


LOVKS  CARNIVAL  117 

Hans. 

Poor  old  devil — !  He'll  be  happy  .  ,  .  for  a 
while !  .  .  . 

Harold. 

[^Has  risen,  and  paci7ig  thoughtfully  up  and  down 
comes  suddenly  to  a  dead  stop  before  the  domino- 
smothered  easel.^  Hello  !  .  .  .  what's  this  ?  \_In  clumsy 
examination  of  the  dominoes  he  nearly  upsets  the 
smothered  j^ortrait.^  .  .  .  Clumsy  fool !  Thousand 
pardons,  Hans.  [Carefully  readjusts  the  picture.^ 

Hans. 

[Wholly  absorbed  in  pouring  out  champ>agne.^  Never 
mind  it !     Come  on  !  .   .  . 

Harold. 

[Coming  to  him,  portentous,  as  if  having  made  an 
important  discovery.]  .  .  .  There  are  two  dominoes — 
there  ? 

Hans. 

[Laughi7ig.]  Not  really  ? !  .  .  .  Well, — is  that  so 
astounding,  on  Carnival  Sunday  ?  .  .  . 

Harold. 

[Gravely.]  You   don't   mean   to   say   you're   going 

to 

Hans. 

[Quickly.]  Yes, — I  do !  .  .  .  [Mimicking  Harold's 
serious  manner.]  I'm  probably  very  much  "  going 
to "  !  .  .  .  And  why  not  ? — there's  a  masked  ball 
to-night  at  the  Roman  Emperor : — everybody'll  be 
there, — even  my  dear  cousins.    And  it'll  be  a  splendid 


Il8  LOVE'S  CARNIVAL 

opportunity  in  the  crowd  for  a  few  moments'  "  un- 
restricted conversation  "  with  them. 

Harold. 
I  see.     And  you'll  wear  two  dominoes  ? 

Hans. 

[Laughing,  mischievous.]  Perhaps!  .  .  .  Well,  not 
exactly,  but  it  isn't  over  hilarious  going  alone, — and 
so — bi;t  chuck  this  confounded  crohs-questioning — 
and  drink  with  me  instead  !  .  .  .  "What's  the  toast  to 
be ?  .  .  .  Stay — I  know :  .  .  .  "to  our  hearts' 
honour  .  .  .  and — and  desire !!..." 

Harold. 

[Puxzled.]  What  d'you  mean  ? 

Haxs. 

Don't  you  know  ?  Really  ?  .  .  .  don't  you  ?  Why, 
good  heavens,  can't  you  see?  .  .  .  How  can  the 
heart's  honour  be  divorced'  from  its  desire  ?  Man  ! — ! 
Man ! — to  love  where  one's  beloved !  .  .  .  there  lies 
the  whole  scheme  of  living !  To  the  heart's  honour  ! ! 
and  may  we  hold  it  sacred  to  the  end  ! !  Prosit ! ! ! 

[He  drains  his  glass. 
Harold. 

Prosit,  Hans ! !  [He  does  the  same,  then  rising,  goes 
to  Hans,  concentrated  and  very  earnest.]  Listen, 
Hans, — you're  all  to  pieces  again  :  you  look  to-night 
as  you  did  before  your  illness.  You  must  positively 
see  the  Doctor  at  once.  I'll  get  him  to  report  you  ill, 
.  .  .  and  then — you  must  take  a  good  pull,  you  must, 
Hans, — and  have  rest,— or  you'll  break  up !  .  .  , 


LOVE'S  CARNIVAL  119 

Hans. 
^Indifferent.^  Yes  .   .  .  T  know, 

Harold. 
[^Persisting  ^^  But  will  you  do  it  ? ! 

Hans. 

[Smiling.']  Of  course,  if  it  makes  you  happy  :  / 
don't  care. 

Harold. 

[With  a  long  breath.]  Good!  .  .  .  And  then,  .  .  . 
when  the  Carniv^al  is  over 

Hans. 

[With  a  triste  laiigh.]  "  Wlien  the  Carnival  is 
over  " — ?  .  .  .  Yes  .  .  .  well  ?  .  .  . 

Harold. 

[With  increasing  earnestness. J  When  it's  over  .  .  . 
you  must  go  straight  to  the  Colonel,  Hans  .  .  .  it's 
the  only  way,  and  tell  him  everything  : — ereri/thing, — 
right  from  end  to  end, — and  how  you  stand — now, 
[Ferventlg.]  You  know  as  well  as  I  do  what  a  good 
sort  he  is,  ,  ,  .  the  straightest  man  alive.  He'll 
understand  !  [  There  is  a  slight  pause. 

Hans. 

[Sits  perfectljf  irresponsive — looking  straight  bejore 
him,  then  sloivlj/  and,  iiufh  2Jecidiar  emphasis.]  No  !  I 
shan't  go — to  the  Colonel  ,  .  ,  Look  here,  [7\f.ki7ig  a 
letter  from  his  breast  pocket.]  .  .  ,  Lieutenant  You 
Gi'obitzsch  has  saved  mo  the  trouble  of  any  "  explana- 
tions" ,  .  .   [Glancing  at  letter.]  "  Begs  to  inform  me 


120  LOVE'S  CARNIVAL 

he's  considered  it  his  painful  duty" — "under  the 
circumstances" — to  "inform  the  Colonel,"  &c.  &c., 
.  .  .  that  "  a  young  woman,"  &c.,  &c.  .  .  .  and  "  in 
barracks,"  &c.  .  .  .  but  there — [With  a  short  laugh, 
tossing  it  over  to  Harold] — read  it  yourself  ! 

Harold. 

[Betiveen  his  teeth.]  His  "  duty  "  !  .  .  .  Curse  him  ! 

Hans. 

[Shrugging  his  shovders.]  "  Duty," — yes  !  It's  an 
elastic   word, — sometimes, — isn't  it  ?  .  .  .  And  so — 

you  see 

Harold, 

But  this  doesn't  alter  the  case  the  least !  It's  all 
the  more  urgent  that  you  must  positively  see  the 
Colonel  to-morrow, — and  lay  the  whole  thing  before 
him, 

Hans, 

[Shaking  his  head.]  It's  too  late.  .  .  . 

Harold. 

It's  never  too  late  !  ,  .  .  Tell  the  Colonel  the  whole 
timth :  .  .  .  how  you  were  driven  into  a  corner,  and 
were  forced  to  see  the  girl  herself,  to  get  at  the  real 
facts — .  .  ,  and  that  you've  nothing  to  be  ashamed 
of   ,   .  , 

[Hans  remains  silent,  loith  averted  face. 

.  .  .  Why  don't  you  answer  ?  ,  .  . 

Hans, 

I  tell  you, — it's  .   .  .  too  late,  [Patise. 


LOVE'S  CARNIVAL  121 

Harold. 

[With  a  sharp  note  of  anxiety  in  his  voice.]  Hans  ! — 
.  .   .  You  don't  mean  it — ?  ?  .   .   . 

Hans. 

[Turning  towards  him — looking  him  straight  in  the 
eyes,  nods  slightly.]   .   .    .     Yes. — 

Harold. 

[Pretending  m,iscomj)rehension.]  I've  never  heai^d  a 
word  .  .  .  [Suddenly,  urgently.]  My  God  !  .  .  . 
but,  .  .    .   does  anybody  know   .   .  .  ? 

Hans. 

What?.  .  .  [Then,  firmly  and  proudly. ]M.yn?iX!ixQ' a 
Rudorfi' :  .  .  .  my  grandfather's  picture  hangs  in  the 
Mess-room  : — what  does  it  matter  now  .  .  .  whether 
people  "  know," — or  not  ? —  .  .  .  Even  if  no  such 
things  as  Colonels,  regiments,  and  "Codes  of 
Honour "  existed  in  the  world — I'd  not  deny  it. — 
Harold !  .  .  .  don't  judge  me ! !  ...  I've  behind 
me  days  of  misery  unspeakable,  —  conscious-torn 
and  tortured, —  .  .  .  yet  full  of  infinite  divinest 
bliss.   .  .   . 

Harold. 

[Facing  him.]  Then — go  your  way  !  .  .  .  We've 
done  with  each  other  !  !  .   .   . 

Hans. 

[Quietly.]  I  knew  it.  .  .  .  That  was  why — why  I 
so  wanted  you  to  drink  one  little  last  toast  with  me. 
.  .  .  and — and  to  have  the  chance  of  thanking  you 
for — all   your   priceless  friendship, — till  this  hour — 


122  LOVE'S  CARNIVAL 

You've  borne  with  me  so  long, — old  boy, — but — now 
the  time's  come  for  you  to  drop  me, — with  all  the 
rest, — with  all  my  "  world."  .  .  .  Now — I  belong  to 
"Destiny" — and  Fate  and  I  must  tight  it  out.  .  .  . 
I  don't  ask  for  pity- — heaven  forbid !  .  .  .  Only — 
Harold,  if — if  you  could  have  stuck  to  me — without 
lowering  yourself,  I  mean — just  a  little  longer  .  .  . 
things — that  must  be — would  have  been  easier.  [Ife 
pauses  momentarili/, — theyi  firmly  and  tensely.^  After 
all,  the  chief  sins  I've  committed  have  been  the  out- 
come of  my  being  deceived, — betrayed,  in  my  most 
sacred  trust.  .  .  .  Only  I  thought  ...  I  hoped — 
somehow  .  .  .  yovJd  understand, — even  if  you  couldn't 
forgive. 

Harold. 

\Who  has  listened  to  him  loith  half-averted  head, 
turns  to  him  :  he  is  silent  a  moment,  then  tvith  a 
sudden  great  loave  of  ]nty.]  Come !  !  .  .  .  Change,  and 
come  with  me  .  .  . 

Hans. 

With  you  ?  .  .  .  Where  to  ? 

Harold. 

To  my  rooms.     I — we — I'll  give  you we'll  have 

a  talk  .  .  .  — and  then — you  must  clear  out  of  this ! 
As  soon  as  possible  .  .  .  to-night !  Why,  [Bltistering, 
to  conceal  his  feelings^  instead  of  all  this  cursed  pro- 
crastination— you  should  have 

Hans. 

[Withstidden  comprehension ?\^  You  mean  to  give  me 
— money .'  I 


LOVE'S  CARNIVAL  123 

Harold. 

Oh  !  you  know  how  I  live  ;  my  wants,  outside  the 
regiment,  are  nil.  There  was  a  time,  when  .  .  .  but 
now  .  .  .  [Smiling.]  .  .  .  surely  you  can't  mind  taking 
it  from  me  ?     Come — change  your  things. 

Hans. 

[Brokenli/.]  No !  my  dear  old  man, — I  thank  you, 
.  .  .  with  all  my  heart — I  thank  you,  .  .  .  but  truly 
...  I  sha'n't  need  it — now. 

Harold. 

[Practically  ]  We'll  discuss  that  later.  Only — 
come  ! 

Hans. 
I  can't.     I  must  stay  here. 

Harold. 
Must  ?  .  .  .  You're  expecting  somebody  ? 

Hans. 


Yes. 

Her? 

Yes. 

Here? 

Yes. 


Harold. 

Hans. 
Harold. 

Hans. 
Harold. 


And,  you  mean  to — to — show  yourself,  with   her, 
to-night  ? 


124  LOVE'S  CARNIVAL 

Hans. 

Yes//  .  .  . 


\They  confront  each  other  in  dead  silence  for 
a  longish  moment, — then  Harold  tu?'ns 
sharp  on  /lis  heel. 

Harold. 
[Striding  out.]  Good-b3'e  !  [Uxii. 

[Hans  remains  standing  in  the  same  jwsition, 
then  half  mechanically  ta/ies  oiU  Grob- 
itzsch's  letter  and  re-reads  it. 

MoRiTz  and  Benno  von  Klewitz,  in  tmiform,  sud- 
denly appear  at  the  loindow  ; — t/iey  lean  on  t/ie 
sill  and  glance  round  inquiringly.  Bot/i  /lave 
distinctly  "  /uul  enough^''  though  neit/ier  is  actually 
drun/c.  Catc/dng  sig/it  of  Hans,  t/tey  burst  into 
strident  /itimming, — a  /lideous  street  air.  Hans 
starts  and  turns :  they  yell  wit/i  laug/der. 


'Morning!  . 
'Morning  !  ! 


MORITZ. 

Klewitz. 

Hans. 

Morning  !  .  .  .  Just  out  of  bed,  you  debauchees, — 
what  ? 

MORITZ. 

Rather  !  Neither  of  us  being  strong,  we've  been 
taking  it  a  bit  easy  ...  in  view  of  forthcoming 
exertions !  I  say,  Hans — are  you  going  to  show  to- 
night ? — at  the  Roman  Emperor,  I  mean  ? 


LOVE'S  CARNIVAL  125 

Hans. 
Of  course  !  .   .   . 

MORITZ. 

There's  nothing  new  on  the  bazaars, — except  that 
dear  old  Marschall's  off  his  head  !  .  .  .  The  silly  fool's 
called  a  dress  rehearsal  of  the  blooming  theatricals  for 
four  o'clock  on  Tuesday  moining,  if  you  please !  ! 
D'you  ever  hear  such  rot  !  .  .  . 

Klewitz. 
"  Four  o'clock  ?  "  ! !  ! 

MORITZ. 

[Laughing  inanehj.']  An'  then — he  tells  me  Itzen- 
plitz  has  chucked,  an'  I've  got  to  play  the  lion ! — 
...//...  I  ask  you !  .  .  .  My  dear  fellow  .  .  . 
simply  r'diculous !  Why,  I've  not  even  undersh — 
under-studied  it,   .   .   . 

Klewitz. 

[To  Hans.]  Well,  you  re  all  right  anyhow, — you 
lucky  swine !  !  .  .  .  Congratulations !  !  .  .  . 

Hans. 

Thanks,  dear  boy  : — but  why  specially  to-night  ? 

[They     start     haiittiiing     the     mine    idiotic 
refrain.^ 

Charming !  .   .   .  quite  charming  .   .   .  but 

Klewitz. 

What  price  the  Villa  Bauden  ?  .  .  .  Look  at  his 
smug  face, — pretendin'  ho  dont  know  a  word  about 
it  !   .  .   .   lAicky  devil ! 


126  LOVE'S  CARNIVAL 

MORITZ, 

Positive  fact,  Hans.  We've  just  heard  on  the  best 
authority  that  Pa-in-law  concluded  the  deal  last  night. 
Benno  oughtn't  to  have  blabbed,  o'  course,  but  he's 
always  so  cursed  indiscreet !  .  .  .  Anyway  —  con- 
gi-atulations ! ! — 

[They  hum  again. 
Hans. 

[  With  hands  to  ears.]  For  heaven's  sake,  stop  that 
infernal  din  !     Who  told  you  ? 

MORITZ. 

Rambergs,  of  course !  Bar  humbug,  Hans,  they 
seemed  awf'lly  pleased  !  .  .  .  By  the  way,  I  hope  your 
mutual  misunderstanding's  all  right  now  ? 

Hans. 

Of  course  !     It  was  nothing. 

MORITZ. 

But  why  d'you  never  show  your  face  at  the  Mess 
now  ?  .  .  ,  Hello  there  !  What's  that  on  the  horizon  ? 
,  .  .  two  seductive  bottles — ?  ? — 

Klewitz. 

Chammy  ! ....  by  all  that's  holy  !  So  he  has  his 
drinks  on  the  sly,  does  he  ?  ?  .  .  .  Greedy  pig  ! ! 

MORITZ. 

Why  don't  you  .ask  us  in — ?I  [Bei/lns  trying  to 
climb  in — assisted  Jrono  fiehind  by  Klewitz,]  We'll 
come  and  cheer  you  up  .  .  .  for  a  bit. 


LOVE'S  CARNIVAL  127 

Hans. 

[Laufjhiu'j,  mahjre  liii,  pushing  him  backS\  Many, 
litany  thanks,  but  I  wouldn't  impose  on  your  good 
nature  for  the  world  ! 

Kleavitz. 
Well,  of  all  the 

Hans. 

Honestly,  boys,  I'm  busy.  I've  a  pile  of  letters  to 
write.  We'll  meet  to-night  in  any  case, — and  make 
up  for  it  then  !— We'll  drink  the  Pa-in-law, — the 
aunts,  and  all  the  cousins, — not  forgetting  the  Villa 
Bauden !  .   .  . 

Klewitz. 
Divine  !  ! — 

Hans. 

Well — ofl'  you  go  !  Good-bye,  or  rather — an 
revoir  !  ! 

MORITZ. 

yShakiny  his  fist  at  hiin.\  Triple  anathema  on  you 
if  you  don't  show  more  hospitality  to-night ! ! 

Klewitz. 
Bewai'e  our  curse  !  !  !  !   .   .   . 

I  They  suddenl;/  dehuje  Jdiii  vrilh  a  shoioer  of 
confetti — and  go  of  laughing,  singing  the 
same  air. 

Hans. 

^Laughing,  brushing  the  confetti  from  his  coat,^ 
Confound  you !  !  [//e  leans  out  of  the  windotv,  shout- 
ing after  thein.^  I  say — half  a  moment.  .  .  .  D'you 
know  if  the  Ramborijs  aii!  going  to-night,  and 
Grobitzsch  ? 


128  LOVE'S  CARNIVAL 

MORITZ. 

UShouts  back.]  Can't  say!  .  .  .  Probably! 

Hans. 
Thanks. 

[As  he  turns  from  the  window  he  sees  Else 
standing  in  the  doorway.  She  has  entered 
noiselessly  during  the  latter  part  of  the, 
pi'evious  scene.  She  vjears  a  quaint  little 
grey  frieze  dress.  She  runs  straight  to 
Hans — clasping  him  ivith  an  inarticulate 
c>'l/  of  joy. 
[After  a  long  kiss, — holding  her  hands.]  Why, — you 
slipped  in  like  a  little  gi'ey  mouse  !  .  .  . 

Else. 

[Stroking  his  Ibair.]  Ugh  !  your  horrid  long  stone 
passages  !  [  With  a  little  shiver.]  So  cold  and  dark  ! — 
...  I  was  glad  when  I'd  got  !-:afe  thi'ough !  .  .  . 
Heinrich  wasn't  there, — dear.  .  .   . 

Hans, 

[Still  holding  her.]  No  ;  I  gave  him  the  night  off, 
— so  that  he  too  might  have  his  carnival.  .  .  .  Come 
over  here  !     [He  draws  her  gently  towards  the  table.] 

Else. 

D'you  like  him  ?  He's  not  half  so  nice  as  VVilhelm 
though, — is  he  ?  Our  dear  old  Wilhelm  !  [Resting 
her  cheek  against  his  shoulder.] 

Hans. 

What  .  .  .  Wilhelui  ?  D'you  mean  to  say  you 
still  remember  him —  ? 


LOVE\S  CARNIVAL  129 

Else. 

[Gaili/.]  I  sliould  just  think  I  did  !  .  .  .  The  way- 
he  used  to  bi-ing  your  letters  .  .  .  with  such  a  friglit- 
fully  solemn  face !  ...  it  was  too  comic  !  [She  laui/hs, 
vnth  genuine  infcct'was  tnirili.^  1  can  see  him  now  ! 
.  .  .  But  what's  become  of  him —  ? 

Hans. 
[Suddenh/  looking  an^ay.^  T — I  don't  know.  I've 
lost  sight  of  him.  \]Vilh  forced  gaieti/.^  But  see  here, 
child  .  .  .  here's  some  wine — in  your  honour.  .  .  . 
Come !  ! — let's  be  happy,  and  have  a  good  time 
together,  and  enjoy  ourselves —  .   .   . 

[He  h'eaks  ojf,  and  busies  himself  pouring  out 
the  ivine.] 

[Sicddenb/  a  distant  bugle-call  is  heard, — 
vibrating  across  the  breadth  of  the  Bar- 
rack Square.  Hans  starts,  and  jntts  doion 
the  glass  he  was  about  to  hand  to  Else. 

Else. 
What  is  it? 

Hans. 

[Smiling.']  Nothing  !   .  .  .   Why  ? 

Else. 

You  started  ? 

[  The  call  is  7'epeafed. 

Hans. 
D'you  hear? 

Else. 
Yes :  what  is  it  ? 

Hans. 

Pon't  you  know  ?  .  ,  .  It's  the  "  Reveille,"' our  first 

1 


I30  LOVE'S  CARNIVAL 

call,  to  rouse  us.  Wlien  they  sound  it  in  the  mornings 
it  means  ...  a  new  day  in  barracks  has  begun   .   .   . 

[77/e  callis  repeated. 
Else. 

[Softli/  and  suddenli/.^  Hans, — have  you  ever 
thought  how  good  it  >\ould  be  to  sleep  ...  a  long, 
long  dreamless  sleep  .  .  .  from  which  one  needn't 
wake  .  .  . 

[The  call  is  repeated. 
Hans. 

[Giving  her  a  sioift  look,  surjirised, — goes  up  to 
window.'\  Confound  the  boy !  .  .  .  I  can't  think 
what's  taken  him,  practising  his  calls  on  a  Sunday 
evening  .  .  .  [Irritahhj.^  ...  It  gets  on  my  nerves  !  .  .  . 

[Else  steals  up  heJiind  him,  and  slips  her 
Juind  into  his  ;  half  itnconsciously  he  jnits 
his  arm  round  her  ;  the  two  stand  together 
thus,  in  the  sunset,  looking  out. 

[Sudde7ili/.]  .  .  .  Don't  be  vexed  with  me,  sweet- 
heart .  .  .  but  that  call !  these  last  few  mornings,  it's 
been  like  a  dagger-blow  !  .  .  .  [Very  gentb/.]  You  see, 
dear  one, — it  used  to  be  very  late, — or  rather,  .  .  . 
very  early, — when  we  parted,  and  I'd  only  a  few  short 
hours'  sleep  when  I  got  in.  .  .  .  Then  always — always, 
— that  call  .  .  .  new  dawn, — new  day, — new  duty, — 
...  —  ...  Child  ! — Can  you  understand  ?  .  .  . 

[Else  nods,  and  with  a  long  sigh,  touches  his 
hair  softhj :  her  head  sinks  on  to  his 
shoulder.  Tlcere  is  a  pause  :  then  he  sud- 
denly rouses  himself. 

Come !  .  .  .  it's  getting  dark  and  cold  !  Let's  shut 
the  window — and  light  up!         \IIe  closes  the  wiiidow, 


LOVE'S  CARNIVAL  131 

Else. 

[Falling  instantly  into  his  mood.]  Yes  !  and  we'll  be 
snug  and  jolly, — won't  we  ? — and  have  a  good  time,  as 
you  said  ?  .  .  .  You  know  what  you  promised  me  ? 
That  this  last  evening  should  be  mine, —  .  .  .  mine 
altogethei'.  .  .  .  That  wed  be  quite  wholly  happy  .  .  . 
just  once  more, — we  two, —  .  .  .  and  not  think  of 
anything  sad,  .  .  .  any  tiresome  things  that  might 
happen  to-morrow  .   .   .  ? 

Hans. 

Of  course  !  .  .  .  And  I'm  going  to  keep  the  promise. 
— Come  along  ! — help  me  with  this  thing,  will  you  ? 
[He points  to  laiiip  on  writing  table. 

[>She  takes  matches  and  busies  herself  lighting 
it; — he     meantime    lighting    candles    on 
2nano,  d'C.,  then  draivinq  the  curtains. 
There ! 

Else. 

[At  loriting  table.]  Oh,  tohat  a  fat  letter!  .  .  . 
[Turning  it  over.]  And  such  a  great  big  seal !  .  .  . 

Hans. 

Leave  it  alone  ! 

Else. 

[Pretending  curiosit]/,  half -teasing.]  Oho  ! —  to  your 
grandmother — ?  .  .  .  You  must  have  a  lot  to  say  to 
her!  .  .  .  [Tappi^ig  it.]  All  this — ? 

Hans. 

It's  a  business  letter  : — a — a — well,  a  kind  of  .  .  . 

statement of  my  accounts — and  things  .  .   .   [With 

a  faint  hint  of  irritation.  \    Do  put  it  down, — dear  ! 


132  lovf:s  carnival 

Else. 

[Hastily  putting  it  Joivn.]  Does  she  still  do  all  her 
business — herself, —  ...  at  her  age  ? 

Hans. 

[Half -absently.]  Yes :  .  .   .  all  her  business. 

Else. 

How  old  is  she  ? 

Hans. 

Eighty-two ;  but  she'll  see  us  all  under.  .  .  .  Her 
sight  and  hearing  are  getting  dim  now — of  course,  but 
no  single  family  event  takes  place  without  her  know- 
ledge, and  consent.  She's  an  extraordinary  woman, 
and  with  a  will  of  steel — I  tell  you !  .  .  .  She's  lost 
all  who  were  dearest  to  her  .  .  ,  the  gi-andfather  at 
Mars-la-Tour  ; — my  father — killed  in  a  duel ; — then 
my  mother,  who  died  at  my  birth ;  .  .  .  but  yet  she 
lives  on.  Else, — and  rules  the  whole  family,  with  an 
iron  hand  .  .  . 

Else. 

[Fidgeting  with  things  on  writing -table,  takes  up  a 
loose  sheet  of  paper.^  Oh!     What's  this?  .  .  . 

Hans. 
[Quicklr/.]  It's  nothing  !    Leave  it  alone — !  .  .  . 

Else. 

[Persistent.']  It  isn't  nothing  !  .  .  .  It's  a  poem  !  Oh, 
Hans ! — I'm  so  glad  you're  writing  verses  again 

Hans. 

[Trying  to  snatch  it.]  Don't  be  so  silly, — Else  !  It's 
rubbish,  I  tell  you  !  .  .  .  Give  it  me  ! 


LOVE'S  CARNIVAL  133 

Else. 

[.ivoidiny  kiin,  slips  behind  table,  and  reads  aloud 
quickhjj\ 

'•  On  Roseniiiontag  morn,  tog'ethei'  sleeping  .   .   . 
Theii-  cold  hands  locked, — in  dying  breath, — 
Lie  two —  ..." 

Hans. 

\_Snatcltviiy   the  papier  from  Iter,  thriists  it  into  his 
pocket.]  I  tell  you  it's  rubbish, — silly  doggerel !  .  .  . 


Else. 

[With  a  little  shudder,  lookimj  at  him  strangelij, 
rejoeats.] 

"  On  Rosenmontag  morn,  together  sleeping — 
lie  two  .  .   .  ?  " 

Hans. 

[Clasjnny  her — strokiny  her  hair.]  Nonsense,  child  ! 
I'm  an  ass !  .  .  .  It's  nothing  !  .  .  .  only — an  idiotic 
i-hynie  I —  .  .  .  [With  an  unsteady  laugh.]  Call  nie 
an  ass,  do  !  Like  you  used  to  !  Why  don't  you  ?  .  .  . 
I  say,  d'you  remember  the  first  time  you  did  ?  .  .  . 
You  called  me  a  "  silly  ass  " — the  first  time — in 
Pauli's garden —  .  .  .  at  the  beginning:  .  .  .  you  for- 
get,  of  course! — but   T  remember!    -  .   .  .   I'd    iust 

••11 
screwed  up  courage  to  convey  to  you,  in  a  singularly 

roundabout  way, — that  I  wms  horribly  ])Oor  !  .  .  .  \]Ic 
l(iv,y]hs  and  siyhs.]  Ah  me !  .  .  .  But  they  were  good 
times,  those,  .  .  .  wer-en't  they  ...  all  the  same  ?  .  .  . 
[lie  fills  a  ylass — touches  it  with  his  lips,  and  hands  it 
to  her.]  Drink  ! !  .  .  . 


1^4  LOVE'S  CARNIVAL 

Else. 

[Pniitiuj  her  lips  to  it,  yently  wave^  it  aicay,  her  eyes 
fastened  on  his  face.]  Hans, — what — do  you  mean  to 
—do?  .   .  . 

Hans. 

[With  feigned  niisimdersta'itdimj.]  ...  To  do  ^ 
How  ?  .  .  . 

Else. 

[Insistent.]  What — are  you  going  to  do  ? 

Hans. 

My  dear  child, — why,  you  know   .   .  . 

Else. 
What?  .   .   . 

Hans. 

Haven't  we  discussed  it  all — already  ?  .  .  ,  This  is 
— our  last  little  fete  together  .  .  .  our  Carnival, — 
veritably  our  Carnival!  [Very  i/ently.]  .  .  .  And 
then,  to-morrow,  [trying  to  speak  'naturally  and 
matter -of factly]  .  .  .  why — to-morrow  ...  at  dawn, 
we  shall  part, — quite  quietly  .  .  .  you  and  I  ...  as 
we  mu.st  .  .  .  You'll  go  back  home,  of  course.  .  .  . 
and  I — to  Bari'acks  .   .  . 

Else. 

And  then  ? 

Hans. 

We  shan't  say  good-bye — of  course  ;  we  couldn't. 
There's  no  good-bye  between  as : — we  part, —  .  .  . 
that's  all  .  .  .  [Repeating  mechanically.]  And  you'll 
go  back  home — of  course, — and  I,  to  Barracks  .  .  . 
here. 


LOVE'S  CARNIVAL  135 

Else. 

And  tlien  .? 

Hans. 

Then  ? — What  a  little  inquisitor  you  are ! !  .  .  . 
Then — life'll  go  on,  and —  .  .  .  on, — as  usual, — of 
course  .   .   . 

Else. 

[With  (luich  iidstrust.]  No,  no  !  !  .   .   .  it 

Haxs. 

[Strenuous! I/. ^  Yes  .'..."  The  feast  to-morrow 
follows  hard  upon  the  feast  of  to-day  "...  Theres 
the    Regimental    ball, —    .   .   .  and    my  bride    elect's 

coming  with  her  people 

[Else  starts. 

— and — and  then  theres  the  play,  you  know  : — the 
boys  are  doing  (Schiller's  "Glove"  .  .  .  Von  G  rob - 
itzsch  plays  the  tiger  .  .  .  and  my  cousins  the 
leopards  ;  .  .  .  it'll  be  great  fun — I  expect  .  .  . 

Else. 

[Sloivli/.]  And  d'you  mean  you  .  .  .  you're  going 
to  take  part  in  it — all  ?  .  .  . 

Hans. 

How  can  i  help  it — ? —     .  . 

Else. 
I — J  don't  see  how  you  can  ?     How  can  you — ? 

Hans. 

[Feigniny  impatience  to  hide  his  (jroioiwj  ayitation.] 
Well,  well ! — don't  keap  on  worrying  j'ourself  about 


136  LOVE'S  CARNIVAL 

to-moirow  !  /  don't !  .  .  .  [lie  hands  her  her  glass 
and  takes  his: — they  touch  glasses  and  pledge  each 
other.^  Child  ! — these  wonderful  last  days !  .  .  .  My 
love, — no  one  can  ever  take  thai  from  us — can 
they?  .  .  . 

Else. 

[Kisses  hhn  passionately,  and  dz-ojjs  on  to  her  knees 
beside  him.]  No  one  !  .  .  .  ever  ! 

[The//  are  silent,  he  stroking  her  face, — she 
looking  iij)  at  him  in  heart-searching  ques- 
tioning and  doubt ;  then,  very  slowly — 
each  word  weighed  and  emjyhasised. 

Hans !  ,  .  .  you'd  not  do  that  .  .  .  without 
me  .  .  .    ? 

Hans. 

[Pi'ttivg  her  almost  roughly  away  from  him,  starts 
u]x]  "  That  "— ? — How  do  you  mean  ?  .  .  .  What  ?  ? 
...  I  don't  understand  you  .  .  . 

Else. 

[Starting  to  her  feet.]  Yes,  yes ! — you  do,  Hans  ! 
.  .  .  [With  agonised  entreaty.]  But  not  without  me  .' — 
If  you, — to-night, — this  very  instant, — said  to  me 
"  Come !  " — I'm  ready !  .  .  .  Only  God  knows  how 
ready ! !  .  .  .  It's  only  the  passing  throvigh  the  dark 
gate  .  .  .  We  must  all  pass  through  it  some  time, — 
.  .  .  and  then  together, —  .  .  .  together,  .  .  .  Hans,  - 
for  all  Eternity  !  !  .  .   . 

[She  stretches  oitt  her  liands  to  him  in  supplication. 

Hans. 

[Taking  her  hands,  striving  to  p)acify  her.]  Hush, 
hush ! !  dear ! —  .  .  .  Else !  .  .  .  don't !  .  .  .  [Forcibly 


LOVE'S  CARNIVAL  137 

himself  to  smile. ^  This  is  all  nonsense, — pure  imagina- 
tion ! 

Else. 

\_Unheediii(/,  Judf-frienzied,  cliii(/in(/  to  Ai«t.]  Hans! 
.  .  .  you'd  not  go  alone  ?  .  .  .  That  v^ould  be  sin, — 
against  us  both  !  .  .  . 

Hans. 

[JJi'ttioiuy  her  to  him,  infiititehj  i/entle.^  But, — 
foolish  one !  .  .  .  who's  thinking  of  such  a  thing, — 
or  even  dreaming  of  it  ?  Nonsense !  Poor  little 
child  .   .  .   Hush !   .   .   .  dear  heart !   .  .   ; 

[As  she  still  clings  to  him,,  shaken  with  sobs, 
the  door  02)ens  qidethj  and  six  inen  in 
weird  black  masks  and  dominoes  creep 
stealthily  into  the  room  ;  one  remains  in 
the  doorway,  the  other  five  glide  doivn, 
toith  a  kind  of  grotesque  dancing  step. 

Else. 
[jVoticing  them  first,  vnth  a  sharp  scream  of  terror, 
clutching  Hans.]  .   .  .  What's  that  ?  ?  .   .  . 

Hans. 

[Turns,  gently  frees  himself  from  her,  and  goes  to 
them,  sternly.]  .   .  .  What's  this  ?  ^  .   .   . 

[The  Masks  silently  surround  him,  with  fan- 
tastic gestures  ;  some  beckon  to  Else,  who 
shrinks  behind  the  table. 
Cut  this  fooling  short !   .   .   .   What  dyou  want  ? 

Masks. 

\Jiaisin(/  their  arms  sinndtaneuiisli/.]  .  .  .  Hush — 
sh  !  ! !        ' 


138  LOVE'S  CARNIVAL 

[At  a  siulden  siynal  the;/  begin  jigging  round 
him,  chanting  an  inane  gutter-rhjjnie  to 
the  same  air  lyreviouslj)  sung  Inj  Moritz 
and  Klewitz. 

"  A  gay  Lieutenant  bold 

Would  wed  a  sweet  young  thing,  .  .  . 
But  hangs  on  with  the  old  love — 

For  a  second  string  !  .  .  . 
If  he — poor  devi! — dared — 

Away  he'd  go  to  Church  .  .  . 
'  No  fear  ! '  says  Number  One, 

80  now  he's  in  the  lurcli !!..." 

lief  rain. 
If  he — poor  devil — dared — ttc.  &c. 

\^As  they  sing  the  refrain,  they  dance  ivildly 
round,  laughing,  gesticulating,  and  pelt- 
ing hita  imth  confetti  and  paper  roses. 

Hans. 

[Trembling  iiuth  anger  and  disgust.]  Hold  your 
filthy  tongues  !  .  .  .  You've  come  to  the  wrong  room  ! 
.  .  .  Get  out ! 

[The  Masks  burst  into  renewed  frenzied 
laughter  aud  antics  ;  Else  meantime  has 
sunk  doum  on  the  sofa — her  face  hidden. 

Get  out  of  this  ! — Curse  you  !  .  .  .  I'll  meet  you 
all  later — when  and  where  1  shall  be  at  your  disposal ! 
And  if  you  come  across  my  charming  cousins, — the 
distinguished  Herrn  V^on  E-amberg, — give  them  my 
respects — and  advise  them  to  avoid  me, — for  the 
present !  .  .  .  And  now — get  out  of  my  sight — you 
hon-ible  ill-omened  spectres  !  !   .   .   . 


LOVKS  CARNIVAL  139 

[The  Masks,  iv/io  have  listened  silently,  sloivb/ 
fall  hack — retiring  face  towards  him,  irith 
renewed  mvckiny  signals;  at  the  door 
they  all  turn  and  slither  out,  ivhistling  the 
same  air,  with  the  exception  of  the  one 
figure,  who  has  remained  grim  and 
motionless  at  the  door  tJie  whole  time. 

\To  the  figure?^  And    you??-.   .  .  Why  don't  you  go? 
.   .  .  Get  out ! !  .  .  . 

Harold. 

[Tahing  a  step  for loard,  grips  Ids  arm  and  wliispers.^ 
Hans ! 

Hans. 

[Starting  ciolently.]  Harold  !!...?... 

Harold. 

[Rapidly — sotto  rocr.]  Hans,  you  must  go !  !  You 
must  get  out  of  this  .  .  .  instantly,  .  .  .  this  very 
night  !   .   .   .  You  know  it  ...?..  . 

Hans. 

[Glancing  round  at  the  sofa,  lays  liis finger  on  his 
lips:\  'Ssh  !  !  .  .  . 

Harold. 

.  .".  Take  her  with  you  .  .  .  and  go  out  into  the 
wide  world  together  !  .  .  .  [He  tries  to  thrust  a  leather 
portefeuille  into  Hans'  hand.'\  Take  this!  .  .  .  You 
know  I  don't  need  it!   .   .   .   'J'ake  it,  Hans!!   .   .   . 

[Hans  shakes  his  head. 
Hans  !  ^  .   .  . 


I40  LOVE'S  CARNIVAL 

Hans. 

I  thank  you —  ...  I  do  thank  you  .  .  .  Harold, 
— but  desert  the  (Jolours  !  .  .  .  No  ! 

[Harold  yives  him  a  last   lonij  look,    then 
turns  silently  and  goes  out. 

[^Looks  wistfulhj  after  him  a  moment,  then  shuts  the 
door,  and  crosses  sloioly  to  Else.  Bending  over  her  he 
touches  her  hair.'\  Dear  love  !  .  .  .  They've  gone ! 
.  .  .  The  ghosts  have  all  gone.     Stupid  fools !  .  .  . 

Else. 

[Raising  her  head,  distraught.^  Hans  .  .  .  I  .  .  . 
Vve  brought  all  this  misery  upon  you  ! 

Hans. 

[Putting  his  arm  round  her.]  No,  child  : — there 
you're  wrong. — You've  given  me, — you  alone,  the  only 
few  hours  of  perfect  happiness  I've  ever  known ; — 
and  your  love  has  been  the  revelation  of  a  pui-er 
higher  world  beyond  ...  to  which  .  .  .  Why  .  .  . 
even  in  childhood,  a  little  forlorn  unwelcomed  child, 
pushed  about  from  pillar  to  post,  always  among 
strangers, — I  knew,  I  always  knew — I  wasn't  pre- 
destined for  much  "  luck  "  in  this  life !  .  .  .  But  I 
don't  suppose  any  one  of  God's  creatures  had  ever 
starved  for  a  little  love  .  .  .  and  understanding  .  .  . 
as  I  had  starved,  Else  .  .  .  till  I  found  yow .' —  .  .  . 
Happiness  ?  ?  .  .  .  One  mustn't  be  ungrateful.  .  .  . 
I  only  know  that  now, — at  this  moment — holding  you 
close  like  this,  .  .  .  we  two  together, — you,  and — 
.  .  .  I — I'm  happy  .  .  .  blissfully  utterly  happy. 
[Laying  his  cheek  against  hers.]  Are  .   .  .  you??.  .  . 


LOVE'S  CARNIVAL  141 

[;S7ie  looks  at  him  speecldrss,  sonilviKj  t1irov(jh 
tears, — and  nods. 

Come  ! !  [  With  deliberate  change  of  mood — springing  up 
yaib/].  .  .  .  We'll  have  no  other  thought  than  that, 
now, —  .  .  we  two !  .  .  .  Why  !  what  a  funny  little 
figure  it  is,  isn't  it  ?  [^/folding  her  at  amis  length.^  Is 
it  the  hair  shirt  of  repentance  ?  !  Ugh  !  .  .  .  Wait ! ! 
[Zfe  flings  one  of  the  crimson  dominoes  over  her 
shoulders.^  There  !  !  .  .  .  You  look  glorious !  !  .  .  . 
And  now  .  .  .  now — we  must  make  ready  for  our 
fete, — for  our  carnival !  .  .  .  Carne  Vale !  .  .  .  .  Else! 
.  .  .  [lie  goes  hack  from  her,  considering  Aer.]  Love — ! 
.  .  .  you're  so  sweet,  so  beautiful,  and  .  .  .  good  .  .  . 
that  all  mankind  should  worship  you  ! ! !  .   .   . 

[TFtfA  a  choking  laugh  that  is  more  than  half 
sob  he  flings  his  arms  about  her. 


CURTAIN. 


THE   FIFTH   ACT 


Scene. — The  same  as  in  First  Act.  It  is  the  early  morn- 
ing of  Shrove  Tuesday .  The  Mess-room  is  vaguely 
lit  by  a  curioiis  meJly  of  lamps  and  candles, — tlte 
general  effect  being  that  of  quasi-dimness  and 
strong  shadows.  Through  the  toind,ows  at  back  th<i 
first  faint  grey-blue  glimmering  of  early  davn  is 
visible.  Wild  disorder  reigns  supreme,  oicing  to 
the  dress  rehearsal  being  just  over.  Masks,  iceapons 
and  portions  of  costume  are  scattered  galore.  The 
large  central  horseshoe  table  orerfows  loith  half- 
emptied  claret  and  champagne  bottles,  glasses,  d'c, 
ct'c,  interspersed  with  all  sorts  of  weird  incongruous 
carnival  paraphernalia.  Wild  beast  skins  of 
variants  sorts  are  hung  p'omiscuoitsly  on  the  easel, 
in  the  corner,  and  over  the  backs  of  chairs. 

At  the  rising  of  curtain,  Yox  Marschall  ?.s 
seated  on  the  table,  inade  up  as  King  Fran::. 
IVtoRiTZ  as  the  Lion,  the  Ramberg  Brothers  as 
the  two  leopards,  and  Grobitzscii  in  a  tiger  skin^ 
form  the  central  grouji  within  the  horseshoe.  A 
gigantic  glove  lies  on  the  floor,  at  their  feet. 
liENNC)  Vox  Klewitz,  exceedingly  dishevelled,  is 
seated  back  of  table  as  Friiulein  Kunigund,  a  half  - 


LOVKS  CARNIVAL  143 

empty  chciinpagne  bottle  in  front  of  him,  and  an 
extinct  cigar  bettceen  his  fngers  ;  he  is  asleep  ;  his 
head  has  fallen  forward,  and  rests  on  his  arms. 
Glahn  stands  at  the  corner  of  table,  half  made  up 
as  Bitter  Delorges,  with  velvet  cloak,  hat,  &c. 
Ever;/  one  is  smoking,  drinking,  and  talking. 

Glahn. 

[Striding  forward  martially,  ivith  a  tragic  gesture, 
jncks  up  glove.l^ 

Von  Marschall. 

[Declaims].  ..."  And  flings  the  glove  into  her 
face  !  " 

Glahn. 

[Depositing  the  glove  gingerly  info'ont  of  the  slumber- 
ing Klewitz).  ..."  Lady  ...  I  do  not  ask  tliy 
thanks—  !  " 

Von  Marschall. 

..."  And  leaves  her  thus,  —  that  self-same 
hour  "... 

[Glahn  turns  sharply  a7id  strides  back  to 
his  jilace  melodramatically,  then  sinks 
exhausted  into  a  chair. 

Klewitz. 

[Waking  ivith  a  sudden  start,  stares  hazily  at  the 
glove  and  murmurs  thickly.]   .   .  Immense! !  .  .  . 

[lie  promptly  falls  asleep  again. 

Von  Marschall. 

[Oettitig  off  the  table,  ujith  a  vast  stretcJi  and  yam).] 
Well,  gentlemen — I  think  that's  all  right  .  .  ,  ( 


144  LOVE'S  CARNIVAL 

Everybody. 

[Fervently,  in  chorus,  loith  the  exception  of  Klvawta 
and  MoRiTZ.]  Thank  the  Lord  ! ! !   .  .   . 

MORITZ. 

[^Fretfully ^^  My  dear  Marschall.  .  .  .  I'm  sorry  to 
seem  unpleasant, — but  .  .  .  for  the  last  time,  I  pro- 
test against  my  rotten  part ! — I  tell  you,  this  lion 
business  simply 

Von  Marschall. 

\^ITvrriedly  and  conchisively.'\  Oh — shut  up,  Diester- 
berg !  .  .  .  I  say, — I  vote  we  all  get  to  bed  now — 
eh  ?  \A  general  laugh. 

.  .  .  The  raucous  laughter  of  the  damned !  .  .  . 
[Looking  at  his  ivatch — lahistles.]  By  Jove  !  !  half -past 
live  !  .  .  .  Well,  we  can  get  half  an  hour — any  way. 
.  .  .  Good  night  .  .  .  everybody — ! 

All. 

[In  chorus,  except  KLWivnz,  loho  slumbers  on  serenely.\ 
Good  morning  ! ! ! —  .  .  . 

[Exit  Von  Marschall. 

MORITZ. 

Bed's  no  use, — and  we've  time  to  change,  any  way, 
— so  let's  finish  the  heel-taps  peacefully.  Benno's 
chosen  the  better  part  .  .  . !     Eh  ? 

Paul. 
I  say,  Moritz, — try  your  roar — ? 

MORITZ. 

No  fear  ! !  .  .  .  I'm  not  going  to  ruin  my  voice  for 
to-night-— — - 


LOVE'S  CARNIVAL  145 

Glahn. 

[Larking  toivards  the  window.^  Why,  I'm  blest  it'  it 
isn't  dawn  already — eh  ?  .  .   .  — Shrove  Tuesday ! 

Fritz  Von  Der  Lehex  suddenly  appears  vu  the  door- 
way. He  has  come  straight  from  the  Masked  Ball, 
and  is  extrer)iely  excited  and  three  parts  drunk. 
He  is  in  evening  clothes  and  domino,  and  wears  a 
quantity  of  cotillon  favours  ariul  rihhons.  He 
laughs  inanely,  and  stands  unsteadily  surveying 
the  scene. 

Fritz. 

M' —  .  .  .  mornin', — everybody  !  .  .  .  [Giggling.] 
'M'  I  interruptin'  a  lecture  .   .    .  ? 

Peter. 

\  Curtly,  unth  rough  solicitude.]  Hello!  youngster! 
What  do  you  want  here  ?  You  ought  to  be  in  your 
cradle,  you  little  devil  !  .  .  .  Pups  of  your  age  have 
no  business  out  of  kennel  at  Carnival  time  !   .    .   . 

Fritz. 

Oh — ho  !     Beggin'   your    pardon — I    I'eally    m — 

must 

Paul. 

[Severely.]  Where've  you  been  ? 

Fritz. 

Where've  I  been  ?  ?  .  .  .  W — why —  at  the 
Rom'n  n'Emperor — o'  course  ! !  You  bet !  ,  .  .  We've 
had  an  awf'Uy  good  time,  real  high  old  time  .  .  .  all 
the  best  people  there.  An' — An'  I've  got  somethin' 
damn'd  amusin'  to  tell  you  too  !  .  .  .  I  say, — got  any 
drinks  still  soin' — ? 


146  LOVE'S  CARNIVAL 

Peter. 
[Conclasheb/.]  No !    .   .   .   You've    had    more  than 
enough  ah-eady. 

Paul. 
Stick    your  head   in  a  bucket  of   cold  water,   .  .  . 

do  ! 

Fritz. 
[Grimiiny.^  Well, — a — any  way,  I  bet  you  don't 
guess  whom  I've  jus'  seen  at  th'  Emperor  .  .  .  ? 
You'll  never  hit  it !  .  .  .  Why  .  .  .  Rudorff, — by  all 
the  powers  ! — Rather  !  .  .  .  your  dear  cousin,  an' 
dancin'  the  whole  night  too, — like  a  dervish ! 

\  MuRITZ. 

Yi^uickly .'\  I  say, — come  out  ot"  it  !  Benno  and  I 
were  there, — and  never  saw  a  sign  of  him  ! 

Fritz, 

Well,  then  he  came  in  later  ;  ...  he  was  in  awf'lly 
good  form,  too  !   .   .   .   I   thought   it   a  bit  injudicious 

myself  .  .   .  but 

Peter. 

\_A}t,gr'd)i .^  Indeed  ! — so  you  felt  it  necessary  to 
come  hei'e  and  report  it  to  us  ?  I  must  say  [with 
risiuij  irritatioii]  it's  cursed  bad  taste  on  Hans'  part, 
— playing  the  fool  all  night  with  his  fiancee  arriving 
to-day,  and  all ;  —but  then,  of  course  .  .  .  it's  Carni- 
val, .   .  .  and  masks  cover  a  multitude  of  sins —  .   .   . 

Fritz. 

Masks  ?  .  .  .  My  dear  Ramberg  !  ! —  ...  No  masks ! ! 
devil  a  bit ! !  neither  he — nor  she  !  .  .  .  He  danced 
with  the  same  girl  all  night :  .  .  .  you  know  ? — the 
girl  he 


LOVE'S  CARNIVAL  147 

Paul. 
[Dmabfounded.]    ]Vhat  ?  ?  .  .   .  With—?  .   .   .  How 
did  she  look  ?  ?  .   .  . 

Fritz. 
Splendid  ! ! — simply  Al  !  .  .  .  a  pic'shur ! ! 

Petek. 

Fritz!  .   .   .  (lood   Heavens!  .   .   .  You  don't  metin 
— ? — not — i 

Fritz. 

[Eniphatiadli/.]   Yes!   .  .   .  rather !  I  .  .   .  )/ou  know 
whom  I  mean  ? — I've  forgotten  her  name.   .  .   . 

Paul. 

[Afjhast.]  Xut  Else  ...??... 

Fritz, 
Yes!    Else, —  of"   course!  \^]Vith    rayae   seuie/iiious- 
ness.]  But, — as  1  said — you  know  7)11/  views —  .   .  . 

[Peter  and  Paul  stare  at  each  other  speech- 
lessly.    A  general  iincomfortahle  silence. 

MORITZ. 

[Sotlo  cocel]  .Sapristi ! !  .  .  . 

[Petkr  and  Paul  tarn  j/recipitately  a)id 
appealingly  to  Grohitzsch,  tvho  has  been, 
listening  itnpassiveh/  in  the  same  attitude, 
smoking. 

Pei-er  and,  Paul. 

(Irobit/.sch  ! 

Peter. 
lu  Heaven's  name,  my  dear  Grobitzscl — whaL  shall 
wo  do  ? 


148  LOVE'S  CARNIVAL 

Paul. 

What  on  eai'th's  to  be  done —  ?  '^  .  .  . 

Grobitzsch. 

[Rises,  draius  himself  up  and  considers  them  both  a 
moment,  silently, — in  ii^iiutterahle  contempt?^  Well  ? 
What  ?     What  is  it  ? 

Peter. 

\_Distractedlij  .^  Why — my  dear  Grobitzsch 1 

we 

Grobitzsch. 

\Brusquel>i  and  frigidly  interrupting. \  Hei'i'n  von 
Rambei-g — I  must  request  you  in  the  future  to  adopt 
a  less  familiar  tone  towards  me.  ...  7  shall  do  the 
same. 

[The  Brothers  look  at  him  apjyrehensively. 

Yes,  gentlemen, — [ivith  a  sho7't  laitgh]  once  bit  twice 
shy  ! — and  if — in  the  past,  there's  been  an  intimacy 
of  sorts — between  us,  I  can  only  say — for  the  future, 
it  will  exist  for  me  merely  as  a  painful  and  hateful 
memoi-y,  which  a  man  would  do  his  best  to  forget. 
.  .  .  Yes, — and  I  say  it  now  deliberately,  and  before 
all  present, — you, — and  you  only,  ai'e  responsible  for 
this  faked-up  plot  against  poor  Rudorfi'; — this  con- 
spiracy !  Yes,  and  I — /,  was  actually  tricked  into 
being  the  tool  .  .  .  the  catspaw — of  these  ^^gentle- 
men "  !  .  .  .1  ought  to  have  realised  this  when  I  saw 
that  girl's  face  in  the  grey  dawn, — the  look  she  gave 
me, — when  she  staggei'ed  up — and  left  my  house.  As 
regards  my  own  life,— how  I  live  it,  and  my  "code" 
with  women,  -that's  my  atfair.  ...  I  take  life  as  it 
comes,  blest  with  a  healthy  appetite  and  good  diges- 
tion.    And  so — J  suppose  that's  why  they  selected  me 


LOVE'S  CARNIVAL  149 

as  the  obvious  stalking-horse  to  mask  their  enter- 
prising schemes  in  tlie  intei-ests  of  "  morality,"  and 
their  family  traditions  I  l>ut— there  are  limits,  and 
for  the  future,  I,  for  one,  shall  certainly  decline  the 
honour  of  your  acquaintance.  .  .  .  Jjong  before  that 
prattling  young  gentleman  [(/lajiciii;/  coiitemptaonsly 
at  Fritz]  gave  away  this  latest  development,  I  knew 
your  cousin  to  be, as  far  as  the  Regiment's  concerned, 
a  dead  man  !  It  was  my  painful  duty  to  report  him  to 
the  Colonel, — as  having  broken  his  word  of  honour  to 
him,  by  renewing  relations  with  the  girl  in  question. 
So, — if  he's  gone  under  now,  liopelessly  gone  under, — 
you've  yourselves  to  thank,  not  me  !  .  .  .  I  wash  my 
hands  of  it.  For  the  rest,  I  see  no  reason  for  taking 
it  so  tragically !  .  .  .  We  needn't  all  be  officers ;  — 
there's  an  increased  demand  for  shop-walkers. —  .  .  . 
Good  morning,  gentlemen ! 

[//e  turns  abruptly  on  his  heel  and  goes 
straight  out.  Peter  and  Paul,  utterly 
annihilated,  have  sank  doion  on  chains  at 
the  table. 

Klewitz. 

[JiOtcsed  by  the  energy  o/'({robitzsch's  last  words,  has 
staggered  up,  and  stands  clutching  the  back  of  his  chair  ; 
hazdji — to  the  conipany  in  general.^^   Enormous  !  ! 

MOKITZ. 

[Grimly,  to  Fritz,  tvho  is  laughing  foolishly.]  Now 
then — "  young  gentleman,"  good-night ! —  .  .  . 

[Fritz,  half  sobered  by  his  tone,  and  the 
loioering  faces  of  Glahn  and  the  Ham- 
bergs,  turns  and,  goes  out,  utterly  crest- 
fallen. 


150  LOVE'S  CARNIVAL 

MORITZ. 

\^After  mi  uncom/ortahle  jxiuse,  empli/iiig  his  glass.] 
Too — damnable  ! 

Klewitx. 

\]Vith  maudlin  yravity.]  H'm !  .  .  .  Awf'lly  sad, — 
'pen  me  word  !  .  .  .  Devilish  mishtake  !  .  .  .  What "11 
become  of  Villa  Bauden,  now  ? 

MORITZ. 

And  Kathie  Schmitz — ?— — po'r  little  girl  f  .   .  . 

Glahn. 

The  person  Fm  sorry  for's  the  father !  .  .  .  Poor 
Schmitz  ! such  an  open-handed  old  chap,  too  ! 

Peter. 

^Rising,  7mth  a  kind  of  sttppressed  groan, ~\  Paul — ! 
— let's  get  out  of  this  ! — 

Paul. 
[^Starting  w;?.]  Yes  !  ! — 

As  they  turn  to  go  out,  Hans  suddenly  confronts  tliem 
in  the  doonnay, — having  come,  Wee  Fritz,  straigJtt 
from  the  Ball.  He  is  perfectly  soher, — h^l■t  vio- 
lently excited  and  over-wrought.  His  domino  is 
open, — his  coatfront  underneath  bedizened  vnth 
all  manner  of  garish  Carnival  badges  and  cotillon 
favours. 

Hans. 

Hurrah  !  .  .  .  Bravo !  !  80  hei-e  you  are  at  last ! 
.  .  .  I've  been  hunting  you — half  the  night !  \To 
MoRiTZ  and  Klewitz.]  And  you  two  champions  !  ?  .  .  . 
How  are  ;vo?t .?  .  .  .  (Jloing  it  as  regardlessly  asever — 
oh  '^.     No     'I  ?     Why, — .   .  .  you  look  as  hang-dog  as 


LOVE'S  CARNIVAL  151 

a  brace  of  mntes !  .  .  .  What's  up  ?  ?    And  my  friend 
Glahn  too  ? 

Glahn. 

l^Rismg  precipilatelt/  without  lookhtg  at  Hans,  hrlefly 
to  the  others.^  1 — er — Good-night ! 

[//i?  goes  ovt  hnrriedly, 
Hans. 

[^Looking  after  him  vnth  an  enigmatic  smile — sotto 
voce.^^  Aha !  So — it's  come  to  that,  .  .  .  already  ! 
.  .  .  [//e  turns  sharply  to  the  Ramberos.]  And  now — 
for  yon  !  At  last  we'ie  face  to  face — and  I'm  going 
to  have  a  final  word  with  you — "in  confidence." 
\Looking  fixedly  at  themP^  J)'you  know  what  you  ai*e, 
— you  two  1 1     Yow 

Peter. 

[Rising,    vnth   2}ained    protest.^    Hans !   .  .  .  ^Vo .' 

.   .  .  Not    like   this! —     Think    of    the    step  you're 

taking  ! —       Think  !  !  —  You're    chucking    us  all, — 

breaking  with  us, — deliberately.     So  now — as  far  as 

we're  concerned — you're 

Hans. 

[Impassively.]  Wiped  out  ?     I  understand. 

Peter. 

Hans, — let  me  say  one  last  word, — without  boat  or 
pi'ejudice!  You  regard  us  Ijoth  now  as  enemies, — 
scheming  to  defraud  you  of  your  happiness,  and  to 
I'uin  j^our  career?  .  .  .  And  yet — since  we  three 
weie  boys  together,  we've  always  tried, — always, — 
to  do  our  veiy  best  for  yoiu'  ...  so  far  as  we  under- 
stood  


152  LOVE'S  CARNIVAL 

ilANS. 

^Bitterly  scoriifid.^  So  far  as  you — "  understood!  "? 
Uutil  at  last  the  day  and  hour  came — when — you — 
didnt  .   .   .  understand  ?  .   .   . 

Peter. 
[^Desperately.']  Perhaps  !     We — we're   all   liable   to 
make  mistakes  sometimes, — and  you  do  us  a  cruel 
wrong  in  trying  to  shift  the  blame, — the  responsibility 
for  youi'  future  on  to  our  shoulders. 

Hans. 
"  Thou  shalt  not    bear    false   witness   against  thy 
neighbour.''  friend  !   .   .   . 

Peter. 
You've  let  a  base  passion  enslave  you, — ruin  you. 

Haxs. 

And  you — have  lied  !  Lied, — and  lied, — and  on 
your  lies  hangs  all  that  is ! — past,  present, —  .  .  . 
what  must  be  !  .  .  .  But — you  did  right !  .  .  .  You, 
— with  your  hopeless,  pitiful  "  good  intentions  "' !  ! 
.  .  .  Yes,  yes !  You  meant  it  for  the  best !  .  .  . 
Wire  to  the  Grandmother  that — you've  been  right — 
all  through !  .  .  .  I'm  disarmed  now  ...  I  can 
injure  you  no  further,  nor  .  .  .  you — me  !  .  .  .  [He 
looks  fixedly  at  them  a  moment,  dispassionately ,  as  if 
they  loere  complete  slrati//ers.]  80  now,  we  part. 

Paul. 
[Perplexed,  hi  ttei-ly.']  Yes;  that's  exactly  what  we — 
what  we — meant  .   .   .   [He  glances  helplessly  at  Peter, 
who  shrugs  his  shoulders.] 

[With   a  last  look  at   Haxs,  the  Brothers 
turn  silently,  and  go  out. 


LOVE'S  CARNIVAL  153 

[Hans  follows  them  with  his  eyes,  faintly 
smiling.  Moritz  mid  Klewitz,  vho 
have  been  distressed  spectators  dvring  the 
foregoing  scene,  rise  simnltaneon sly ,  and 
wring  his  hand,  in  silence.  He  returns 
their  hand.-clasjis  livgeringly ;  then  both 
go  out. 

Hax8. 

]^Stands  a  moment  absorbed  in  his  own  thoughts ; — 
then  suddenly  looks  round,  vagii,ely, — inquiringly,  as  if 
lost.  His  eyes  fall  upon  the  portrait  of  the  Grandfather 
between  the  ioindou;s,  which  show  the  growing  shimmer 
of  dawn.  lie  goes  nearer  to  the  picture  ;  then  tur^ts, 
takes  a  lamp  from  the  table  and,  throws  the  light  fidl  on 
it.     He  stands  quite  motioidess  thus,  a  fev)  minutes  ; — 

then,  quietly  and  tensely. 1  No,   no  !   !   .   ,   You  !  ! 

don't  be  afraid  !  !    .   .    .     All  that  I  can  do — now  .  .   . 
I'll  do  ! 

[Else  suddenly  bursts  in,  distraught,  breath- 
less, heedless  of  all  siirroundings. 

Hans. 

[^Turning  at  the  sound  of  her  hurried  footsteps.^ 
What!  You?  [Harshly.]  What  d'you  want?  Why 
are  you  here  ?  ? 

Else. 

[Half  frenzied.]  I — I've  been  searching  for  you 
.  .  .  everywhere ! !  .  .  .  Now  at  last  I've  found 
you  ...  I  saw  you  standing  tliere  .  .  .  with  the 
lamp  .   .  . 

Hans. 

[7?i  the  same  pitiless,  inflexible  tone.]  Didn't  I  tell 
you —  How"  dare  you  follow  me  ?  .  .  .  What  do  yon 
mean  by  it  ?     How  d.are  you —  ?  ? 


154  LOVE'S  CARNIVAL 

Else. 
[^Stretching  out  her  hands  iinploriwily.^^  Hans  !!...? 

Hans. 

[With  groiving  agitation.]  Yes,  yes! — you  hunt 
me  !     You  pursue  me  !     What  did  I  tell  you, — over 

and   over  again ?  that  you    were  to  go, — to  go 

...  to  GO  /  .  .  . 

Else. 

[Hurt  to  the  qii,ick,  vnth  swift  avger.~\  Remember — 
...  to  whom  you  speak  !  .  . 

Hans. 

[Turning  on  her,  half-hrutalised  by  his  own  anguish.] 

Yes  ! — to  you —  !  !     Certainly- to  you  !  !     I  know 

you  !  I  .  .  .  I've  ruined  your  life, — haven't  I  ?  .  .  . 
made  }ou  what  you  are, — .  .  .  outcast  and  by- 
word !  .  .  .  And  now  I  fling  you  aside —  ?  That's 
what  I  am  !  .  .  .  So  ^o  .'  .  .  .  Shun  me  ! — hate  me ' 
— hate  and  curse  me !  .  .  .  you've  the  fullest  right 
to  I  [There  is  a  brief  pause. 

Else. 

[Controlling  herself,  gently.]  You  can't  deceive  me, 
Hans —  .  .  . 

Hans. 

Deceive  you  ?  What  d'you  mean  ?  Wasn't  it 
agreed  between  us, — solemnly,  sacredly  agreed,  that 
to-night  we  were  to  part, — silently, — without  mean- 
ingless good-byes  ?  .   .  .  You — to  your  home, — and  I 

to -here  ?     Weren't  you  resolved  that  that  was  the 

only  way — ?  But  now — [losing  all  centrol] — you 
break  your  word, — you  follow  me,  and  spy  on  me, — 
against  my  will, — my  entreaty, — .  .  .  my — com- 
mand .   .   .  ! 


LOVE'S  CARNIVAL  155 

Else. 
Hans, — I  know  what's  in  your  mind 

Hans. 

My  mind—?     How  ? 

Else. 

Yes.  Wliat  you  intend  doing, — noio, — this  very 
hour  .  .  .  That's  why  I  won't  leave  you  !  .  .  .  You 
would  be  guilty  of  a  great  sin — !   .  .   . 

Hans. 

Sin  ?  .  .  .  What  sin  ?  .  .  .  I  know  of  no  sin  .  .  . 
I'm  doing what — I — m,i('St  do  ! !  .  .   . 

Else. 
[^Clinging  to  himi,  distracted,  supplicating ^^  Hans  ! 
....  don't  .   .  .  don't  do  it ! ! 

Hans. 

\Trying  to  repulse  her.^^  .  .  .  T  don't  know  what 
you  mean  ! 

Else. 

But  if — if  you  must,  then — take  me  too  !  ? 

[Hans  malces  a  gestttre  of  re2Judiatio7i. 
What—?  ?— .  .  .  .  without  vie—  ?  ?  Would  it  be 
as  great  a  sin — vnth  me  ...??...  God  is  great 
.  .  .  and  merciful !  .  .  .  But — alone —  .  .  .  that 
would  he  a  deadly  sin  ! !  .  .  .  [^Breaking  out  vjildly.'\ 
.  .  .  It's  a  betrayal !  .  .  .  shameful —  !  cruel !  What 
wrong  have  I  ever  done  you  ?  I've  given  myself  to 
you,  soul  and  body, — my  life  itself — my  all !  I've 
thing  it  beneath  your  feet  that  you  miglit  take  it  and 
do  with  it  as  you  would  !  .  .  .  Hut  to  be  .spurned  by 
you, — flung  aside — coldly,  indifferently — like  tliis  .  .  . 
You're  a  cowaid,  Hans  !   .  .   .  a  coward  ! 


156  LOVE'S  CARNIVAL 

[J Jans  starts  at  the  last  loords,  and  stands 
transfixed^  looking  into  Iter  eyes. 

Yes — Kans  !  a  coward  !  Isn't  it  cowardice  to  hide  from 
me,  to  steal  away  from  me '^  Take  me!  .  .  .  take  me 
with  you  !  .  .  .  don't  look  at  me  like  that  !  .  .  .  I'm 
yours — all  yours  !  .  .  .  How  can  you  deny  it  ?  And 
d'you  dare  deny  also — now — .  .  .  that  you  mean  to — 
DIE  .  .  .  to-day,  .  .  .  this  very  hour, — .  .  .  perhaps  ?  ? 

\_There  is  an  intense  silence  between  them,  each 
meeting  the  other^s  gaze. 

Hans. 

[Quietly,  concentrated! I/. ]  Else — listen  !  1  alone  am 
guilty  .  .  .  I've  betrayed  and  shamed  an  honourable 
family, — an  innocent  girl, — and  her  father  .  .  .  I've 
broken  my  word  of  honoui-  to  my  Colonel.  But  with- 
out all  that,  it  isn't  one  thing  more  than  another  ! — 
it's  everything! — I  can't  go  on  living  in  this  world  .  .  . 
— .  .  .  I  can't, — and  so — .  .  .  But  the  name  at  any  rate 
—  [Glancing  at  the  2)icture.'\  .  .  .  Ah — love  !  .  .  . 
believe  me,  /  know  why — yes — tvhy  ...  it  must  be 
so  ! —  .   .    .    But  you — you — .  .    . 

Else, 

[Passionately.]  No !  I'm  a  thousandfold  more 
guilty  !  I've  degraded  you, — the  best — the  truest 
man  alive, — and  turned  you  from  your  duty  !  In  my 
sinful  passion  I  forgot  all — all, — but  the  fact  of  my 
possession  of  you — how  I  might  be  yours — and  hold 
you  onine !  .  .  .  And  now  what  am  I  ?  [She  flings 
herself  at  his  feet.']  Don't  leave  me,  Hans  !  .  .  .  don't 
leave  me  alone ! ! —  .  .  .  I've  no  life — no  being,  .  .  . 
without  you ! ! 

[She  clasps  his  knees,  sobbing,  imploring. 


LOVE'S  CARNIVAL  157 

Hans, 

[Dragging  her  forcihlij  on  to  her  feet, — struggling  to 
free  himself  from  her  dinging  armsJ\  Else !  .  .  . 
Else!!  .  .  . 

Else. 

\^Frenzied,  irrestling  'with  him.^^  I  won't  leave  you 
...  I  won't  leave  you — ! ! 

Hans. 

Else— listen !!—... 

Else. 

No  more  ! — no  moi-e  ! ! —  .   .   .  you've  had  it  in  your 
mind  before  .   .  .  you've  thought  it  all  out,  long  long 
ago  ! — Last  night — those  verses — that  I  found—  .  .   . 
"  On  Rosenmontag  morn,  together  sleeping  .  .   .  ?  " 

Hans. 

Folly !!...!  played  with  the  thought  .  .  .  just 
merely — played  with  it  .  .  . 

Else. 

Don't  dare  say  that !  .  .  .  not  played  !  .  .  .  Your 
heart,  youi'  innermost  conscience  tells  you — it  must 
be — like  this  ! — that — you  mustn't  leave  me  ! — |  With 
a  convulsive  shudder.l  Tell  me, — what  d'you  suppose 
would  come  to  me, — if — if  you  went  without  me — 
an<l  /  perhaps  —  mightn't  have  cournge  to  follow 
you  .   .   .  ? 

Hans. 

You — mean — to  follow  me  .  .   .  ? 

Else. 
I     must!   ...    I     ioill// — [With    a    sudden    cryJ\ 


158  LOVE'S  CARNIVAL 

Love ! !    God  will  forgive  us  !  !— — God  is  so  great,  .  .  . 
—   ...  and — He — -understands — !   .  .   . 

[Hans  draws  her  (jently  to  Imii,  and  kisses  her 
cenj  solemnly  on  the  brow. 

Else. 

Hans — say  me  the  rest  of  the  verses — ?     There  was 

more  than  I  read  : 

"  On  Rosenmontag  morn,  together  sleeping, — 
Their  cold  hands  locked, — in  dying  breath  " — '^ 

.   .  .  How  did  it  go  on — ?   .  .   . 

Hans. 

..."  Lie  two,  to  whom  this  world  guve  nought  but 

weeping ; — 
.   .  .  Life  had  but  sever'd  them —  :  .   .  .  their  union 
came  in  death — !  "... 

Else. 
Yes — yes !   .   .   .   ^Beneath  her   breath.]    And — .such 
bliss !   .   .   .  Hans !   .  .   .  my  Hans !   .   .  . 

\^>She  clasps  her  anas  about  his  neck,  blind  ivith 

tears. 
[As  they  stand,  locked  in  a  last  long  silent 
etreinte — suddenly  tJte  Bugle  Call  [as  in 
Act  IV.)  is  heard,,  —vibrant,  strident,  in 
the  Barrack  Sqimre.  It  is  three  times 
repeatedj, — each  successive  time  nearer  and 
louder. 

Hans. 
[Starting,  thrilling  through  every  nerce  at  the  Jirst 
■notes  of  the  Call.]  Hush  ! — Listen  ! !  d'you  hear  ?  .   .  . 
That's  it ! !  .  .  .  That's— Zi/e  I  .  .  .  The  new  Life  !  ! 
.  .  .  Come ! ! ! —  .  .  . 


LOVE'S  CARNIVAL  159 

[  With  his  arm  roivtid  her,  straininy  her  close, 
he  Imrries  her  out. 

[There  is  a  brief  iitteuse  2^(ii('Se, — i^e«  Hein- 
RiCH  enters,  perturhed  and  uneasy,  carry- 
ing a  small  lantern. 

Heinricii. 
\^Peeriny  roaud,  turning  the  light  into  the  coriLers.\ 
Uh ! — My  God  !  .   .   .  but — but  .  .   .    some  one  was 
here  .  .  .  [Josef  has  followed  him  in. 

Josef. 
Yes : —  .   .   .  there's  a  lamp  still  bvirnin'. —     They 
said  he  was  here — !  he  mast  be ? 

Heinrich. 

[^Distractedly  ^^  But where  ?  ? — [He   goes   to    one 

door,  ojiens  it  and  looks  in.\  Herr  Lieutenant  ? 

Josef. 

Nobody  ? 

Heinrich. 

.  .  .  Not  ;i  soul !  .  .   . 

Josef. 
[Pointing  to  the  other  door.\  Tiy  there ? — 

Heixricji. 

[Tries  to  open  it  andjiiids  it  locked ;  Ite  knocks  loudly.^ 
Herr  Lieutenant !  !  .  .  .  [Bending,  he  puts  his  ear  to 
the  keyhole  and  listens  intently, — the'}t  knocks  again — 
louder.]  Herr  Lieutenant ! ! — 

Josef. 
What  can  he  have  locked  it  for i  .  ,   . 

Heinrich. 
Herr    Lieutenant ! !     ...     Sir !    .   .   .    It's    i^ettin' 


i6o  LOVE'S  CARNIVAL 

late  !  .   .   .  —  ...  What  am  I  to  do — Sir  ?     It's  just 
on  time  for  parade  .  .  .  !  ! 

[He  shakes  the  door  and  heats  ii/pon  it 
violently. 

[Harold,  in  uniform,  hurries  in — and  crosses 
straight  to  Heinrich. 

Harold. 

What  ?  .   .  .  Locked  ? !—     Clear  out !  !  .  .  . 

[Josef  salutes  and  goes  oiit. 

[  Vehemently,  to   Heinrich.]    Go   on — man  ! !     Put 
your  shoulder  to  it ! !   .   .   . 

[Flinging  his  own  full  iveight  and  strength 
against  the  door. 

[The  door  gives,  and  flies  open  ;  Harold  goes 
in,  followed  hy  Heinrich.  The  stage 
remains  empty  a  moment.  Then  suddenly, 
— livid,  terrified,  distraught, — Heinrich 
totters  in,  and  up  to  the  window, — throw- 
ing it  open. 

Heinrich. 

[Half- frenzied,  the  vjord   strangled  in  his  throat.^ 
.  .  .  Help!!!  .  .  . 

[He  gesticidates  wildly  to  those  without  in  the 
Jlarrack  Yard,  as  the  hoarse  cry  dies  on 
his  lips. 

CiURTAIN. 


Printed  by  Bali  antvne,  Hanson  6^  Co. 
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